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THE  BOOMERANG 
W.  Smith 


, 


. 


THE  BOOMERANG 

BY  C 


Smith  and  Victor  Mapes 


FRENCH5  STANDARD 


SAMUEL  FRENCH,  25  West  45th  St.,  New  York 
PRICE  904 


THE    BOOMERANG 


in  Ubree  Bets 

BY 

WINCHELL  SMITH  and  VICTOR  MAPES 


1915,    BY    WlNGHELL    SMITH    AND    VICTOR  MAPES 


ALB  RIGHTS  RESERVED 


CAUTION": — Profesionals  and  Amateurs  are  hereby  warned  that 
"The  Boomerang,"  being1  fully  protected  under  the  copyright  laws 
of  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  is  subject  to  a  royalty 
and  a.ny  one  presenting  the  play  without  the  consent  of  the  authors 
or  their  authorized  agents  will  be  liable  to  the  penalties  by  law 
provided.  Application  for  the  amateur  acting  rights  must  be 
made  to  SAMUEL  FRENCH,  25  West  45th  Street,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
Application  for  the  professional  acting  rights  must  be  made  to 
DAVID  BELASCO,  Belasco  Theatre,  New.  York  City,  N.  Y. 


New  York: 
SAMUEL  FRENCH 

Publisher 
25  West  45th  Street 


London : 

SAMUEL  FRENCH,  Ltd, 

26  Southampton  Street 

Strand 


BOOMERANG 
ALL    RIGHTS    RESERVED 


Especial  notice  should  be  taken  that  the  possession  of 
this  book  without  a  valid  contract  for  production  first 
having  been  obtained  from  the  publisher,  confers  no  right 
or  license  to  professionals  or  amateurs  to  produce  the  play 
publicly  or  in  private  for  gain  or  charity. 

In  its  present  form  this  play  is  dedicated  to  the  reading 
public  only,  and  no  performance,  representation,  produc 
tion,  recitation,  or  public  reading,  or  radio  broadcasting 
may  be  given  except  by  special  arrangement  with  Samuel 
French,  25  West  45th  Street,  New  York. 

This  play  may  be  presented  by  amateurs  upon  payment 
of  a  royalty  of  Twenty-Five  Dollars  for  each  perform 
ance,  payable  to  Samuel  French,  25  West  45th  Street, 
New  York,  one  week  before  the  date  when  the  play  is 
given. 

Whenever  the  play  is  produced  the  following-  notice  must 
appear  on  all  programs,  printing  and  advertising  for  the 
play:  "Produced  by  special  arrangement  with  Samuel 
French  of  New  York." 

Attention  is  called  to  the  penalty  provided  by  law  for 
any  infringement  of  the  author's  rights,  as  follows. 

"SECTION  4966: — Any  person  publicly  performing  or  rep 
resenting  any  dramatic  or  musical  composition  for  which 
copyright  has  been  obtained,  without  the  consent  of  the 
proprietor  of  said  dramatic  or  musical  composition,  or  his 
heirs  and  assigns,  shall  be  liable  for  damages  thereof,  such 
damages,  in  all  cases  to  be  assessed  at  such  sum,  not  less 
than  one  hundred  dollars  for  the  first  and  fifty  dollars  for 
every  subsequent  performance,  as  to  the  court  shall  appear 
to  be  just.  If  the  unlawful  performance  and  representation 
be  wilful  and  for  profit,  such  person  or  persons  shall  be 
guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and  upon  conviction  shall  be  im 
prisoned  for  a  period  not  exceeding  one  year.'WIJ.  S. 
Revised  Statutes :  Title  60,  Chap_.  3. 


THE  BOOMERANG. 


Produced  in  New  York  at  the  Belasco  Theatre, 
August  10,  1915,  with  the  following: 

CAST. 

DR.  GERALD  SUMNER,  age  32 ARTHUR  BYRON 

BUDD  WOODBRIDGE,  age  24. ..  .WALLACE  EDDINGER 

PRESTON  DE  WITT,  age  28 GILBERT  DOUGLAS 

EMILE RICHARD  MALCHIEM 

HARTLEY WILLIAM  BOAG 

MR.  STONE JOHN  CLEMENT 

VIRGINIA  XELVA,  age  21 MARTHA  HEDMAN 

GRACE  TYLER,  age  22 RUTH  SHEPLEY 

MARION  SUMNER,  age  24 JOSEPHINE  PARKS 

GERTRUDE  LUDLOW,  age  22 DOROTHY  MEGRUE; 

MRS.  CREIGHTON  WOODBRIDGE,  age  50 MRS. 

HARRIET  O.  DELLENBAUGB 
GUESTS  AT  PARTY 


SYNOPSIS. 

ACT     I.    A  Doctor's  office* 
ACT    II.    A  living  room. 
ACT  III.    Same  as  ACT  L 

PLACE: — Hartford,  Conn. 
TIME: — Early  autumn. 


THE  BOOMERANG 


ACT  I. 

SCENE: — A  handsomely  furnished  physician's  con 
sulting  room,  with  doors  down  R.  up  R.  and  up 
L.  Large  window  up  c.  showing  view  of  house 
extension  up  L.  and  a  tree  or  two  and  distant 
view  of  other  houses  and  lawn. 

Door  down  R.  leads  to  waiting  room.  Door  up 
R.  leads  to  small  retiring  room.  Door  up  L. 
leads  to  the  interior  of  the  house. 

There  is  a  large  handsome  desk  c.  with  series 
of  drawers — with  desk  telephone,  writing  ma 
terials,  electric  light,  etc.  L.  of  desk  is  a  doc 
tor's  chair — this  chair  is  large  and  luxurious. 
A  smaller  chair  R.  of  desk.  Another  chair  R.  c. 
Another  chair  down  R. 

Below  door  L.  a  handsome  glass  cabinet  filled 
with  instruments.  Below  this  cabinet  an  elec 
tric  heating  apparatus^  for  sterilising  instru 
ments.  L.  c.  a  nickel-finished  operating 
chair — with  white-covered  cushions.  An  elec 
tric  light  with  reflector  near  this  chair.  Be 
tween  doors  R.  a  large  handsome  book-case 
filled  with  medical  works.  Up  c.  a  small  solid 
table,  on  which  stands  microscope  and  "box  of 
glass  slides,  etc.  In  upper  L.  corner,  a  good 
3 


4  THE  BOOMERANG. 

sized  medicine  cabinet,  fully  stocked.  Under* 
neath  medicine  cabinet  a  wash-stand,  towel 
rack,  towels.  A  refuse  receptacle  with  auto 
matic  cover  down  L.  below  electric  heater.  On 
walls,  handsome  pictures.  Over  instrument 
cabinet,  are  three  framed  diplomas.  Hard  wood 
floors  with  handsome  rug. 

At  rise,  stage  empty.  After  a  moment,  door 
up  L.  is  opened  and  GERALD  (DR.  SUMNER) 
enters,  humming  a  song.  He  closes  door. 
GERALD  is  a  well-dressed,  attractive  young  man 
of  about  thirty-two.  He  wears  straw  hat  and 
gloves  and  carries  a  stick.  Crosses  down  L.  of 
operating  chair,  goes  to  desk  c.,  idly  picks  up 
and  glances  at  two  or  three  letters,  tosses  them 
back  on  desk.  Crossing  up  R.  puts  down  hat 
and  stick,  takes  off  gloves,  looks  out  of  window, 
looks  front,  slight  pause — yawns — crosses  left 
of  desk,  sits,  takes  out  cigarette  case.  It  is 
empty.  Unlocks  drawer  of  desk,  takes  out 
large  box  of  cigarettes,  throws  three  or  four 
on  desk,  lights  cigarette,  leaves  open  cigarette 
case  on  desk — yawns,  picks  up  medical  book, 
turns  to  marked  place,  reads  a  moment,  dis 
gustedly  throws  down  book,  swings  discon 
tentedly  in  chair,  takes  pack  of  cards  from 
drawer  of  desk  and  begins  playing  solitaire. 

Knock  on  door  up  L.  after  three  cards  have 
been  dealt. 

GERALD  starts  half  guiltily,  throws  away  cig 
arette,  puts  cards  back  in  drawer,  picks  up 
medical  book. 
GERALD.    Come  in. 

(Enter  up  L.   MARION    (GERALD'S  sister)    closing 
door.    She  is  a  pretty  girl  in  the  early  twenties, 


THE  BOOMERANG.  5 

dressed  stylishly  in  light  spring  gown,  ivithout 
hat  or  gloves.    She  crosses  c.  back  of  desk.) 

MARION.     {Mockingly)     Ah!  Dr.  Stunner's  in! 

GERALD.    Oh,  it's  you 

MARION.  {Coming  L.  c.)  I'm  sorry — if  I'm  in 
terrupting  your  office  hours — brother  dear! 

GERALD.  I  wish  something  would  interrupt 
brother  dear's  office  hours !  I  thought  it  was  the 
governor— Watson  said  he  came  home  to  lunch. 

MARION.  Father  came  home — because  he  wasn't 
feeling  well. 

GERALD.     (Rising)     That  so?    Where  is  he? 

MARION.  Gone  to  see  a  doctor.  (GERALD 
glances  at  her)  Not  altogether  complimentary  to 
you — is  it? 

GERALD.  That's  all  right.  (Picks  up  medical 
book  and  puts  it  in  book-case  R.)  It's  what  I  was 
going  to  advise  him  to  do. 

MARION.  He  couldn't  have  consulted  you,  if 
he'd  wanted  to.  You  weren't  here.  Your  office 
hours  are  supposed  to  begin  at  two.  It's  after 
three  now. 

GERALD.  (R.)  I  hear  enough  of  that  sort  of 
thing  from  the  governor.  (During  followng 
speech,  he  saunters  back  to  desk,  lights  fresh 
cigarette  and  fills  cigarette  case,  sits  R.  of  desk) 

MARION.  (L.  c.)  But,  Jerry,  you  don't  seem 
to  realise  how  much  you  mean  to  Father.  If  you 
could  have  heard  him  planning  for  you,  months 
and  months  before  you  finished  your  studies  in 
Europe — you  must  have  the  very  best  office  in 
town  and  all  the  finest  things  to  work  with — the 
largest  medical  library — so  much  depended  on  the 
right  start.  Then  when  he  got  ihe  idea  of  building 
this  addition  on  to  the  house  for  your  office,  you 
should  have  seen  the  way  he  watched  over  it — why, 
Jerry,  he  came  home  two  or  three  times  a  day,  to 


6  THE  BOOMERANG. 

see  how  it  was  getting  on — he  was  so  afraid  it 
wouldn't  be  all  finished  before  you  got  back. 

GERALD.  (Lightly)  And  I'm  a  complete 
failure!  Back  from  abroad  and  practicing  med 
icine  for  two  whole  weeks — and  not  a  patient  to 
practice  on. 

MARION.  Oh,  no  one  can  blame  you  for  not 
having  patients — yet.  The  trouble  is,  Jerry,  you 
don't  seem  to  care.  (Sits  L.  of  desk) 

GERALD.  (After  a  moment's  thought)  By  Jove, 
for  once,  I  believe  you're  right. 

MARION.  That's  not  what  I  came  for — (Turn 
ing  to  him) 

GERALD.    Oh !  Well,  what  did  you  come  for  ? 

MARION.  Preston  De  Witt  wants  you  to  play 
golf  this  afternoon. 

GERALD.  (Rising)  Ah — that's  different! 
Who's  Preston  De  Witt? 

MARION.  You  met  him  at  the  club,  last  Saturday 
— don't  you  remember? 

GERALD.    Oh,  yes ! 

MARION.  He  and  Grace  Tyler  were  having  tea 
with  me.  He's  a  splendid  player — about  the  best  in 
the  club. 

GERALD.  Yes,  I  remember — he  admitted  that. 
I'm  afraid  he's  too  good  for  me.  (Turns  up  R.) 

MARION.  Nonsense.  Anybody  who's  won  a  cup 
abroad 

GERALD.  But  I  haven't  had  a  club  in  my  hand 
since  I  left  Edinboro.  (Coming  down  R.  c.) 

MARION.  That's  nothing. — Besides  it's  to  be  a 
foursome 

GERALD.  (Face  falling — sits  again  R.  of  desk) 
Oh 

MARION.    You  and  I  against  them. 

GERALD.    Who's  "  them  ?" 

MARION.  Why,  Preston  De  Witt  and  Grace 
Tyler — the  girl  who  was  with  him — at  tea. 


THE  BOOMERANG.  7 

GERALD.  Oh,  that  peach !— What  kind  of  a  game 
does  she  play? 

MARION.  She's  very  good— but  I  beat  her  four 
down  yesterday. 

GERALD.  (Hesitating)  Well—I  suppose  it 
won't  hurt  us  to  try. 

MARION.  (Rising)  That's  fine.  Grace  is  com 
ing  here.  (Starts  for  door  up  L.)  I'll  call  Preston 
up — and  ask  him  to  take  us  all  over  in  his  car. 
You'll  be  ready  after  your  office  hours? 

GERALD.    I'm  ready  now.     (Rising) 

MARION.  (Turning  at  door)  You're  a  great 
doctor.  (Exit  MARION  up  L.,  closing  door) 

(GERALD,  left  alone,  takes  out  Ms  watch,  sighs,  puts 
it  back  again.  Then,  with  sudden  thought 
takes  off  coat,  goes  out  up  R.,  returns  without 
coat,  brings  back  a  large  golf  bag  filled  with 
clubs  and  a  smaller  golf  bag  empty — leans  them 
both  against  lower  end  of  desk — selects 
brassie  from  larger  bag  and  places  it  in  small 
bag — takes  driver — about  to  place  it  in  small 
bag — stops — handles  it — swings,  then  puts  it 
in  small  bag — draws  out  three  iron  clubs  to 
gether — places  them  in  small  ban — then  takes 
out  two  putters  of  distinctly  different  type — 
looks  them  over,  one  in  each  hand — puts  them 
on  desk — takes  two  golf  balls  from  pocket  of 
large  bag — takes  ash-tray  from  desk — places  it 
down  L.  c. — places  balls  on  floor  down  R.  c. 
Putts  one  ball  to  ash-tray.  While  he  is  thus 
engaged,  EMILE  (the  DOCTOR'S  French  valet) 
enters  RV  stops  in  astonishment  on  seeing 
DOCTOR.) 

EMILE.    Oh — I  thought  you  have  not  come  back ! 

(GERALD  pays  no  attention — takes  deliberate  aim 
and  putts  second  ball — watches  ball  with  tn» 
terestt  till  it  stops.) 


8  THE  BOOMERANG. 

GERALD.  (Not  looking  at  him)  I  came  in 
through  the  house,  Emile — [pronounced  "ay- 
meal"]  (Prepares  to  putt  again) 

EMILE.     (Excitedly)     But  I  do  not  know  that! 

GERALD.  What  of  it?  (Turns  and  looks  at  him 
— seeing  E MILE'S  air  of  excitement)  What's  the 
matter?  Has  anything  happened? 

EMILE.  (Nodding  his  head  excitedly)  Oh,  oui, 
monsieur — (Speaks  loud  enough  to  fear  he  is  being 
overheard — checks  himself — turns  back  to  door  R. 
and  closes  ii  softly,  GERALD  watching  him  with 
much  interest)  Outside,  is  a  patient ! 

GERALD.     (With  mock  seriousness)     No! 

EMILE.    Yes! — She  wait  now  for  some  time. 

GERALD.    She  ? 

EMILE.  Oui,  oui! — I  show  her  in.  (Starts  for 
door) 

GERALD.  No — hold  on !  Get  my  coat !  And  put 
these  away !  (Indicating  clubs.  EMILE  hastily 
gathers  clubs  and  bags  and  puts  them  in  room  up 
R.  while  GERALD  picks  up  golf  balls  and  ash-tray. 
Puts  ash-tray  on  desk  and  balls  in  draiver.  EMILE 
returns  with  GERALD'S  office  coat  which  is  more 
dignified  than  the  one  he  wore  on  his  first  entrance. 
He  helps  GERALD  on  with  it.  GERALD  seats  him 
self,  with  air  of  importance,  in  chair  L.  of  table — 
takes  up  pen  and  pretends  to  be  writing.  EMILE 
R.  of  desk  facing  DOCTOR)  Now,  Emile. 

EMILE.  Oui,  monsieur.  (Opens  door  down  R. 
and  speaks  off  R.)  The  Doctor  should  see  you 
now,  please 

\hnter  VIRGINIA  down  R.  Exit  EMILE  down  R., 
closing  door  very  softly.  VIRGINIA  is  a  girl 
of  about  twenty — extremely  winsome,  simply 
but  attractively  clad,  with  a  touch  of  the  for 
eign  in  her  looks  and  dress.  She  comes  R.  c. 
stops  and  stands  waiting.  GERALD  does  not 
look  up  for  a  moment,  but  pretends  to  be  bus- 


THE  BOOMERANG.  9 

ily  writing.  He  then  glances  at  her,  about  to 
rise — is  struck  by  her  appearance,  and  remains 
an  instant  gazing  at  hert  then  assuming  profes 
sional  air  rises  and  bows.) 

GERALD.  (Indicating  chair  R.  of  desk)  Won't 
you  be  seated — (VIRGINIA  slowly  goes  to  desk  and 
sits,  not  taking  her  eyes  from  him.  When  she  is 
seated,  GERALD  resumes  his  seat,  opens  drawer  in 
desk  and  takes  out  index  card — placing  it  on  table, 
takes  up  pen)  Your  name,  please? 

VIRGINIA.    Virginia  Xelva. 

GERALD.     (Writing)     Address? 

VIRGINIA.  (Smiling  and  shaking  her  head)  I 
haven't  any. 

GERALD.  (Giving  her  a  look)  You  must  live 
somewhere. 

VIRGINIA.    Just  now  Pm  at  a  boarding-house. 

GERALD.     (A  trifle  disappointed)    Oh 

VIRGINIA.  It's  three  streets  down — (Pointing 
and  looking  off  R.)  then  that  way. 

GERALD.  On  Willow  Street?  (She  nods — he 
writes  it  down)  I  know  the  place — married? 

VIRGINIA.     Oh,  no!     (GERALD  writes) 

GERALD.  Children?  (VIRGINIA  laughs — he 
looks  up)  No,  of  course — pardon  me — National 
ity? 

VIRGINIA.  My  father  was  Swiss,  but  my  mother 
was  an  American.  I  was  born  in  Lucerne. 

GERALD.    Indeed!    A  charming  spot — isn't  it? 

VIRGINIA.    Have  you  been  there? 

GERALD.  I  put  in  most  of  my  summer  there — 
last  year 

VIRGINIA.    Really ! 

GERALD.  (Resuming  professional  air — consulting 
card)  Now,  let's  see — parents  living? 

VIRGINIA.  No — I  lived  with  my  aunt,  until — 
well — until  she  got  married. 

GERALD.     Oh — I  see — That  makes  a  difference 


10  THE  BOOMERANG. 

— doesn't  it?  (With  a  smile  of  understanding. 
Reading  card)  Cause  of  Father's  death — cause  of 
Mother's  death — can  you  tell  me? 

VIRGINIA.  My  mother  died  of  a  fever,  when  I 
was  a  baby.  My  father  was  killed  in  an  accident 
four  years  ago 

GERALD.  Have  you  any  relatives,  or  friends 
here ? 

VIRGINIA.  No.  I  came  to  find  my  grandmother, 
but — but 

GERALD.    But  she's  not  living  here ? 

VIRGINIA.  She's  not  living  anywhere.  When  I 
arrived,  I  found  she'd  been  dead  for  years. 

GERALD.  (Leaning  forward  slightly  over  desk) 
Then  you're  here — in  this  country — all  alone? 
(VIRGINIA  nods)  Indeed!  (Pause — resumes 
professional  attitude  and  refers  to  card)  Let's  see — 
what's  next?  (GERALD  reads  to  himself  half  audi 
bly,  several  questions  from  index  card,  without 
putting  them  to  VIRGINIA  :  "  Color — age — occupa 
tion;  "  writes  answers  as  he  goes  along)  There — 
that'll  do  for  that — (Putting  down  pen — leaning 
slightly  over  table,  with  hands  clasped  before  him) 
Now — suppose  you  tell  me  what  seems  to  be  the 
trouble ? 

VIRGINIA.     (Perplexed)     Trouble ? 

GERALD.     Yes — the  nature  of  your — ailment? 

VIRGINIA.  (Suddenly  comprehending  and  laugh 
ing  in  spite  of  herself)  Oh! — You  ask  me  all 
these  questions  because  you  think  I  am  sick? 

GERALD.     (Flabbergasted)     What?! 

VIRGINIA.    Oh,  no,  I  came  from  the  agency • 

GERALD.  What  agency?  (VIRGINIA  takes  letter 
out  of  hand  bag  and  hands  it  to  him.  He  looks  at 
the  envelope)  Oh — the  Employment  Bureau! 
(Pauses — sits  back — looks  at  her)  Do  you  know 
— you're  a  great  disappointment! 

VIRGINIA.  (Starting  to  rise)  You  don't  think 
I'd  suit ? 


THE  BOOMERANG.  II 

GERALD.  No — no — I  meant,  I  thought  at  last  I 
had  a  patient!  (She  gives  him  a  puzzled  look) 
You  see,  I'm  a  very  distinguished  doctor — and  I've 
got  a  fine  new  office— but  up  to  the  present  time,  I 
haven't  had  any  patients! 

VIRGINIA.    No  patients? 

GERALD.  Not  one  single,  solitary  patient — not 
so  much  as  a  sick  cat ! 

VIRGINIA.  (After  a  pause — rising,  crossing  to 
R.  c.)  Then,  of  course  you'd  have  no  need  for  me. 

GERALD.  (Quickly — Crossing  back  of  desk  to 
L.  of  VIRGINIA)  Oh,  wait  a  minute.  I  asked  the 
agency  to  send  me  some  one — (She  looks  at  him — • 
not  understanding)  As  long  as  I've  got  an  office  I 
ought  to  have  somebody  to  look  out  for  it.  My 
man  is  filling  the  position  temporarily,  as  a  favor — 
but  it's  a  little  out  of  his  line. 

VIRGINIA.  I  didn't  understand  what  it  was  you 
wanted.  I  thought  I  might  have  a  chance  to  get  ex 
perience  as  a  nurse. 

GERALD.  (Crosses  to  desk)  Oh — you'd  like  to 
be  a  nurse? 

VIRGINIA.     (Fervently)    Yes ! 

GERALD.    Ever  tried  it? 

VIRGINIA.  Only  at  home.  But  to  take  care  of 
the  sick — has  always  made  me  happy. 

GERALD.  That's  all  very  fine — but  when  it  comes 
to  spending  your  entire  life  in  a  sick  room 

VIRGINIA.  I'd  love  it — if  I  only  knew  how !  It's 
always  seemed  to  me  that  a  great  doctor  does  the 
noblest  work  of  all 

GERALD.  (Looking  at  her  reflectively)  Humph 
— I  wish  I  could  feel  that  way — (Crossing  to 
VIRGINIA)  Then,  you  wouldn't  care  to  consider 
this  office  work? 

VIRGINIA.  If  there  were  only  some  way  I  could 
learn  nursing • 

GERALD.     Well — possibly  I  could  help  yot 

VIRGINIA.    Oh — do  you  think  you  might ? 


12  THE  BOOMERANG. 

GERALD.  I  don't  see  why  not.  I'll  make  in 
quiries.  I  suppose  there  is  no  great  hurry  about  it  ? 

VIRGINIA.  (With  a  smile)  Well — I've  got  to 
earn  my  living 

GERALD.  Oh,  then,  I  suppose — I — Sit  down. 
(Both  sit — he  after  her,  VIRGINIA  R.  of  DOCTOR. 
His  chair  now  faces  VIRGINIA)  Well,  in  that  case, 
suppose  I  offer  you  this  position  here  with  me — for 
the  present — and  we  can  be  on  the  lookout  for  the 
sort  of  thing  you're  after  ?  What  do  you  say  ? 

VIRGINIA.  I'd  like  to  try  very  much — if  you 
really  think  I  am — I  am 

GERALD.  (Looking  her  over)  Ob,  yes !  I  think 
you  are! 

VIRGINIA.  But,  at  the  agency,  they  told  me  you 
would  probably  require  references. 

GERALD.    Yes. 

VIRGINIA.  Well,  when  I  came  to  this  country — 
I  had  no  idea— that  I— I— I  mean  I  haven't  any 
references. 

GERALD.  Oh?— That's  all  right— I  haven't  any 
either.  We'll  both  take  a  chance,  eh ! 

VIRGINIA.  (After  a  little  laugh)  You're— 
— you're  very  kind. 

GERALD.  'Nothing  of  the  sort.  (Rising,  places 
chair  a  little  up-stage  near  desk)  All  I  want  is  to 
have  someone  here— and  if  that's  any  service  to 
you,  I'm  only  too  glad 

VIRGINIA.    Thank  you 

GERALD.  Well— then  we'll  call  it  settled!  Oh, 
as  to  terms 

VIRGINIA.  (Smiling)  I  don't  suppose  I'm 
really  worth  anything 

GERALD.    Til  give  you  twice  that! 

VIRGINIA.     Then  I'd  rather  leave  the  terms  to 

GERALD.  Good!-— When  would  you  like  to  be 
gin? 


THE  BOOMERANG.  13 

VIRGINIA.    I'm  ready  any  time. 

GERALD.    Want  to  begin  now? 

VIRGINIA.    Why,  yes. 

GERALD.  All  right.  (Crossing  front  of  desk, 
presses  button  on  desk,  VIRGINIA  rises)  You  can 
put  your  things  in  there.  (Opens  door  up  R. 
VIRGINIA,  who  has  followed  him  up  c.,  passes  out 
up  R.  with  a  slight  glance  of  the  eye  at  the  DOCTOR. 
This  is  the  beginning  of  their  love  affair) 

VIRGINIA.     (As  he  passes  out)     Thank  you. 

(EMILE  enters  down  R.,  as  VIRGINIA  exits,  in  an 
swer  to  bell  and  stands  down  R.) 

GERALD.  (Turning  to  him.  He  has  crossed  to 
L.  of  desk,  well  up)  Don't  you  know  a  patient 
when  you  see  one? 

EMILE.     (A  little  puzzled)     No,  monsieur 

GERALD.  Well,  neither  do  I.  That  young  wo 
man  was  looking  for  a  job  and  what's  more  she  got 
it.  She's  going  to  take  charge  of  the  office. 
(EMILE  grins)  You  like  that,  eh?  (EMILE  nods) 
I  thought  you  would!  (VIRGINIA  enters  up  R. 
She  has  removed  her  hat)  Emile,  this  is  Miss 
Xelva.  (EMILE  bows)  Straighten  up  the  desk 
for  her  out  there.  (Indicating  off  down  R.)  and 
show  her  where  things  are  kept. 

EMILE.  Bien,  monsieur — (Goes  off  down  R. 
The  door  stays  open  for  a  moment,  then  is  closed 
softly) 

GERALD.  Now,  Miss  Xelva,  don't  hesitate  to  let 
me  know  if  there's  anything  at  all  you  want. 

VIRGINIA.  (With  hesitancy  crossing  to  R.  of 
desk)  Well — when  you  have  time,  if  you  could 
give  me  an  idea  of  what  I  am  to  do? 

GERALD.  Oh — I  hadn't  thought  of  that.  Let  me 
see — Do  you  ever  play  solitaire?  (She  looks  sur 
prised)  — or  how  about  reading?  I've  got  plenty 
of  books.  I'll  tell  you  what — (Going  to  book-case, 
R.)  There's  a  fine  book  here — on  nursing.  I'm 


14  THE  BOOMERANG. 

sure  that  would  interest  you!     (He  takes  book 

from  book-case) 

VIRGINIA.    But  will  there  be  no  work  ? 

GERALD.  I  hope  so  —but  I  don't  see  any  im 
mediate  prospects.  No  patients,  no  work. 

VIRGINIA.  (Suddenly  interested)  Is  there  no 
way  to  get  patients? 

GERALD.  I  can't  think  of  any!  If  you  can,  I'll 
divide  with  you!  In  the  meantime,  if  you'll  just 
be  here  from  ten  till  five — so  that  you're  on  hand, 
in  case  anyone  does  come — take  any  messages- 
answer  the  telephone — (Telephone  bell  rings  on 
desk  c.)  Speaking  of  telephones,  there  we  are 
now!  Perhaps  that's  a  patient — ?  (Goes  to  re 
ceiver,  checks  himself)  This  is  your  department! 
Suppose  you  see 

VIRGINIA.  (Taking  up  receiver — GERALD 
crosses  to  L.  of  desk)  Hello — yes — Yes,  the 
Doctor's  in 

GERALD.  (Taking  golf  balls  from  drawer  of 
desk)  But,  very  busy,  at  present.  (VIRGINIA 
glances  at  him)  We  must  always  try  to  make  it 
look  as  if  I  had  a  lot  to  do.  (He  exits  up  R.  and 
comes  back,  closing  door.  He  carries  small  golf  bag 
which  he  places  below  book-case — returns  above 
desk — L.  of  it) 

VIRGINIA.  He's  very  busy — But  if  it's  important 
— Oh,  no — wait  a  minute — I'll  get  him  to  speak  to 
you — Oh,  please  don't  ring  ofi — (GERALD  laughs) 
Won't  you  give  me  the  name? — About  who?  A 
dog?  Oh,  about  a  dog? — Well,  what  seems  to  be 
the  matter  with  it?  (Her  expression  changes  sud 
denly — face  falls)  Oh,  just  a  minute,  please — 
(Puts  hand  over  receiver,  to  GERALD)  It's  a  man 
who  wants  to  sell  a  dog 

GERALD.  (Eagerly)  Oh,  that  setter!  Let  me 
speak  to  him — (Takes  receiver  from  her)  Hello 
— that  you,  Tim?  You  landed  him,  eh?  Good! 
Phew!  That's  a  pretty  stiff  price!  I  guess  I'd 


THE  BOOMERANG.  15 

better  look  him  over  first !  He  is,  eh  ?  Well,  keep 
him  there — will  you?  I'll  be  right  down! 
(Hangs  up  receiver,  goes  quickly  up  R.  and  gets 
hat,  speaking  meanwhile)  I've  got  to  run  out  for 
a  few  minutes.  If  there's  a  rush  of  patients  while 
I'm  gone,  I  count  on  you  to  hold  'em.  If  they're 
in  a  hurry,  prescribe  for  them  yourself.  (Exit 
GERALD  up  L.  VIRGINIA  left  alone,  glances  about 
office  curiously.  Crosses  L.  to  instrument  cabinet, 
peeps  in — looks  at  sterilizer — looks  about — crosses  R. 
front  of  desk  to  R.  of  desk.  Sees  book  on  nursing, 
which  GERALD  has  left  there — takes  it  up  eagerly  as 
knock  on  door  down  R.  VIRGINIA  looks  up. 
EMILE  enters,  closing  door) 

EMILE.    (In  a  low  tone)    Where  is  the  Doctor? 

VIRGINIA.    Gone  out. 

EMILE.    Out !    Oh !    That's  too  bad ! 

VIRGINIA.    Why?    It  isn't  a  patient,  is  it? 

EMILE.  (Nodding)  Two — (Hesitates,  then 
starts  for  door  down  R.)  I'll  tell  them  he  is  out 

VIRGINIA.  (Stopping  him)  No — no — they 
might  go  away.  Did  they  come  together? 

EMILE.    (Nods)    Just  now. 

VIRGINIA.    We  must  get  the  doctor  back 

EMILE.    Where  did  he  go ? 

VIRGINIA.    He  went  somewhere  to  buy  a  dog. 

EMILE.  (Breaking  in)  Ah — I  know  where  it 
is! 

VIRGINIA.  Do  you?  (He  nods  excitedly) 
Could  you  go  there — and  tell  the  doctor? 

EMILE.    Oui,  mademoiselle! 

VIRGINIA.  Then  try  to  get  him  back  quickly  I— 
And  show  them  in  here!  (She  crosses  to  desk — 
gets  L.  of  it) 

EMILE.  (Willing)  Oui,  mademoiselle — (He 
goes  to  door  R.  and  opens  it,  passing  out) — this 
way,  please.  (After  a  moment,  enter  MRS.  WOOD- 
BRIDGE,  followed  by  BUDD.  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  is  a 


16  THE  BOOMERANG* 

well-bred,  sweet  looking  woman  of  fifty,  with  a 
decided  motherly  air.  BUDD  is  about  24,  nice  look 
ing  and  well  dressed — ^3;  and  retiring  in  manner, 
over-sensitive — quaintly  polite,  but  very  genuine 
and  sincere.  EMILE  closes  door  after  them.  MRS. 
WOODBRIDGE  goes  to  chair  R.  of  desk.  BUDD  stops 
front  of  chair  R.  c.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Trying  to  recall  GERALD'S  manner 
at  the  moment  of  her  own  first  entrance)  Won't 
you  have  seats,  please 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (About  to  sit — glancing 
about  in  search  of  DOCTOR)  Isn't  the  Doctor  here? 

VIRGINIA.  (After  hesitation)  He'll  be  disen 
gaged  very  soon.  (MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  still  un 
decided  whether  to  sit,  looks  at  BUDD)  Won't  you 
take  this  chair?  (Indicating  chair  R.  of  desk) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (Still  undecided)  Thank 
you.  (Sits.  BUDD  sits  resignedly  R.  c.  VIRGINIA 
hesitates,  between  BUDD  and  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE, 
looks  first  at  BUDD,  then  at  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE) 

VIRGINIA.  (With  sudden  thought,  half  to  her 
self)  Oh — (She  goes  out  quickly  down  R.,  back 
of  BUDD,  leaving  door  open.  A  long  pause.  No 
action — attitude  of  waiting) 

BUDD.  Mother — (Rising,  crosses  to  MRS.  WOOD 
BRIDGE) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Yes,  dear? 

BUDD.    Couldn't  we  come  back  later? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Why — we've  come  at  a  very 
lucky  time — There's  evidently  no  one  anead  of  us. 

BUDD.  But  they'll  be  waiting  for  you  at  Aunt 
Jennie's. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (Decidedly)  I  want  to 
make  sure  you  see  him — now  that  I've  managed  to 
get  you  here. 

(BUDD  sighs  and  gives  it  up.    Crosses  back  to  chair 
and  sits.     Re-enter  VIRGINIA  down  R.     She 


THE  BOOMERANG.  17 

carries  a  number  of  magazines,  newspapers  and 
periodicals.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Going  to  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE) 
Would  you  like  to  look  over  any  of  these — — 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    No,  thank  you. 

VIRGINIA.     (Going  to  BUDD)    Would  you? 

BUDD.  (Taking  the  magazine  on  top)  Thank 
you,  very  much.  (Puts  it  on  his  lap,  without  look 
ing  at  it) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Do  you  think  the  Doctor 
will  be  very  long? 

VIRGINIA.     Oh,  no!     I — I — hope  not 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  I  suppose  there  is  no  way 
you  could  find  out? 

VIRGINIA.     (With  hesitation)     Well — I 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  You  couldn't  interrupt  him, 
of  course — 

(VIRGINIA  crosses  up  c.  puts  down  magazines.) 

BUDD.  (Rising — placing  magazine  on  chair — 
turning  to  VIRGINIA)  My  mother  is  rather  pressed 
for  time — if  you  could  make  an  appointment? 

VIRGINIA.  (Quickly — down  to  BUDD)  I  should 
advise  you  not  to  go  now — and  you  really  won't 
be  wasting  time,  because — the  card  must  be  filled 
out  and — (Crossing  L.)  I  can  do  that — (Goes  to 
DOCTOR'S  chair,  opens  wrong  drawer  looking  for 
index  card,  then  opens  right  drawer,  looks  in  right 
corner,  finds  it  in  left  corner,  looks  at  it  puzzled, 
takes  up  pen)  The  first  question  is — your  name? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Mrs.  Creighton  Wood- 
bridge 

VIRGINIA.     (Filling  out  card)    Address? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Harrison  Avenue. 

VIRGINIA.    Age  ? 

MRS.   WOODBRIDGE.      (Stiffening  slightly)      I'm 


18  THE  BOOMERANG. 

not  the  patient.  It's  my  son,  Mr.  Budd  Wood- 
bridge. 

VIRGINIA.  Oh,  I  beg  your  pardon.  (Tears  up 
card  and  takes  another  one) 

BUDD.  (Coming  to  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE)  What's 
the  use  of  your  waiting,  Mother? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  I  want  to  explain  your  case 
to  the  Doctor  myself. 

BUDD.  But  you  did  explain  to  our  Doctor — and 
he  couldn't  find  anything. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  It  may  be  different  with  Dr. 
Sumner.  He's  modern!  You  know  what  Mrs. 
Ludlow  said  about  his  studying  with  all  those  great 
men  abroad 

BUDD.  If  you  don't  mind,  I'd  rather  see  him 
alone. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Of  course  I  won't  stay — if 
you'd  prefer  not  to  have  me. 

BUDD.    I  would. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Very  well.  (Rising  and 
crossing  R.)  And  after  you've  seen  him,  you'll 
come  right  over  to  Aunt  Jennie's  and  let  me  know 
what  he  says? 

BUDD.    All  right,  I'll  do  that. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Don't  think  I'm  silly,  Budd 
— but  I  can't  help  feeling  anxious. 

BUDD.  Now,  please  don't  worry.  There's  noth 
ing  the  matter  with  me. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    That's  what  you  always  say. 

BUDD.  I'll  put  you  in  the  car.  (Goes  out  down 
R.,  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  foil  wing  hir.i) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  I'll  bend  it  back  for  you — 
(They  exit  down  R.  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  stopping  in 
door)  And,  Miss — eh — I  didn't  get  your  name. 

VIRGINIA.    (Rises)    Xelva. 

(MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  crosses  R.  c.     VIRGINIA,  who 
has  picked  up  cardf  crosses  to  her.) 


THE  BOOMERANG.  19 

MRS.    WOODBRIDGE.      Miss    Xelva,    would   you 

please  be  sure  to  tell  Dr.  Sumner 

VIRGINIA.    I'll  write  it  down. 

(MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  looks  R.) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  That  I'm  afraid  my  boy  is 
on  the  verge  of  a  nervous  breakdown. 

BUDD.     {Off  R.)     Come  along,  mother 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Yes,  dear.  (Starts  for  door 
R.,  speaking  as  they  exit}  And,  Miss  Xelva — if 
you'd  tell  Dr.  Sumner  that  he  was  so  highly  rec 
ommended  to  me  by  Mrs.  Ludlow 

(VIRGINIA  makes  note  on  index  card.  MRS.  WOOD- 
BRIDGE  and  VIRGINIA  are  now  off  R.  and  the 
door  down  R.  closes.  After  a  moment's  pause, 
knock  on  door  up  L.) 

MARION.  (Off  L.,  speaking  as  she  knocks.  She 
now  wears  golf  clothes)  Jerry — (Opens  door) 
May  we  come  in — the  girls  want  to  see  your  office. 
(Enters)  Jerry — (Crossing  c.  looking  around, 
sees  that  room  is  empty)  Well — I  never — (Cross 
ing  up  L.  c.)  Come  in,  girls. 

(GERTRUDE  LUDLOW  enters  from  L. — GERTRUDE 
carries  a  new  novel,  box  of  bon  bons,  small 
hand  bag.) 

GERTRUDE.  Oh!  So  this  is  it.  (Looking  at 
office,  moving  as  she  speaks  in  front  of  MARION  to 
R.  of  desk — places  candy  and  book  on  desk) 

MARION.  Yes,  this  is  it.  (Looking  off)  Come 
along,  Grace. 

(GRACE  enters  carrying  parasol,  crosses  L.  c.,  stands 
a  moment,  sees  instrument  cabinet.  Crosses  to 
it  around  operating  chair.) 


THE  BOOMERANG. 


GERTRUDE.     Where's  your  brother,  Marion? 

MARION.  (Leans  on  back  of  DOCTOR'S  chair) 
Don't  ask  me !  His  office  is  the  one  place  where  he's 
not  to  be  found  during  office  hours  i  How  do  you 
like  it? 

GERTRUDE.  (Down  R.  c.  looking  about,  back  to 
audience)  Peachy,  isn't  it? 

GRACE.  It  gives  me  the  creeps !  I  hate  a  doctor's 
office. 

GRACE.  Whenever  I  see  barbarous 
things  like  that,  I  don't  get  over  it  for 
a  week.  (Etc.  ad  lib.) 

MARION.    I  suppose  I'm  used  to  it      Together 
— I've  been  in  here  so  much. 

GERTRUDE.  Oh,  I  don't!  I've 
always  thought  I'd  like  to  be  a  doctor's 
wife.  (Etc.,  ad  lib.) 

GRACE.  A  doctor's  wife — would  you  really?  I 
can't  imagine  anything  more  dreadful.  (Crossing 
upc.) 

MARION.     (Down  around  operat 
ing    chair — leans    on    it — L.    c.) 
wouldn't  mind  it  a  bit,  if  he  was  the 
right  kind  of  a  man.     (Etc.,  ad  lib.] 

GERTRUDE,      (c.   below   desk)      1 
don't  feel  that  way  at  all.     I  think 
they    lead    such    interesting    lives      ...Together 
(Taking  a  piece  of  candy,  crossing 
over  to  book-case,  looking  at  books] 

GRACE.  Never  knowing  where 
your  husband's  going  to  be — never 
being  able  to  make  an  engagement 
(Etc.,  ad  lib.) 

GRACE.  (Above  desk)  Speaking  of  engage 
ments,  I  suppose  your  brother's  forgotten  all  abou* 
our  golf  match? 


THE  BOOMERANG.  21 

MARION.  Oh,  no — he'll  be  back — after  office 
hours!  They  seem  to  bore  him  to  death. 

GERTRUDE.      Then    why    does   he    have   them? 

MARION.  Because  Father  had  it  put  on  his 
shingle— Office  hours  10  to  12  and  2  to  4. 

(GERTRUDE  laughs  and  examines  book  in  lower 
case.) 

GRACE.     (Sits  in  chair  R.  of  desk)     I  always 

thought  your  brother  was  practicing  abroad 

MARION.     (Crossing  to  L.  c.)     No.     He  was 

studying  abroad — or  supposed  to  be — he's  been 
studying  for  ages — in  Paris,  Berlin,  Geneva,  Edin- 
boro — and  Heaven  knows  where  else!  Why  he 
hasn't  laid  eyes  on  Hartford  for  eleven  years. 

GERTRUDE.  (Crossing  to  R.  of  GRACE)  Eleven 
years !  Is  it  that  long? 

MARION.  (Crossing  to  desk,  leans  on  desk  front 
of  chair)  I  don't  think  he'd  ever  have  come  home 
if  Father  hadn't  made  him.  (GRACE  picks  up  clock 
casually  holding  it  so  GERTRUDE  can  see  time) 
Why,  Father  wrote  him  that  if  he  didn't  hurry  up 
he'd  be  in  his  second  childhood  before  he  began 
practicing. 

GRACE.  Why  should  he  practice  if  he  doesn't 
want  to?  Goodness  knows,  he  doesn't  need  the 
money ! 

GERTRUDE.  Need  the  money !  I  should  say  not ! 
O  look  at  that  clock — I'd  love  to  meet  him,  but  I 
really  mustn't  wait.  (Picks  up  book  and  candy— 
crosses  up  R.  above  desk) 

MARION.    Why  can't  you  come  with  us? 

GRACE.    Do !    We'd  adore  having  you. 

GERTRUDE.  Thanks,  but  I  couldn't  possibly. 
I've  simply  got  to  go  to  Mrs.  Stuyvesant.  I  told 
her  I'd  pour  for  her.  (Crossing  L.  to  MARION) 
She's  such  a  nice  old  thing! 


22  THE  BOOMERANG. 

MARION.     And  isn't  it  marvelous  to  see  her 
dance ! 


GERTRUDE.    Isn't  it !          I    Togethet 

GRACE.    I  should  say  so !  | 

GERTRUDE.    Just  what  I  was  thinking  last  night. 

MARION.  (To  GRACE)  Why  weren't  you  there, 
Grace? 

GRACE.  (Crossing  R.,  taking  magazine  from  chair 
R.  c.)  I  was  going,  but  I  didn't  feel  quite  up  to  it. 
How  was  it?  Any  fun? 

MARION.  (Crossing  to  L.  of  operating  chair) 
Yes — rather  nice. 

GERTRUDE.    Oh,  I  thought  it  was  deadly! 

MARION.    Did  you  ? 

GERTRUDE.  The  only  decent  dance  I  had  was 
with  Budd  Woodbridge. 

MARION.    Was  Budd  there?    I  didn't  see  him. 

GERTRUDE.  No  wonder!  I  must  have  had  an 
awful  effect  on  him.  He  didn't  say  two  words- 
then  left  me  flat,  and  cleared  out,  as  soon  as  our 
dance  was  over! 

MARION.  (Slyly,  with  a  glance  at  GRACE)  By 
that  time,  I  suppose  he'd  found  out  Grace  wasn't 
coming. 

GERTRUDE.  Oh — that  was  it!  (Crossing  to  L. 
of  desk,  leans  over  it) 

GRACE.  Marion — don't  be  silly.  (Puts  magazine 
on  desk) 

MARION.  You  know  perfectly  well  Budd's  crazy 
about  you. 

GRACE.  (With  a  touch  of  sincerity)  I'd  feel 
very  much  flattered,  if  he  were.  (Turns  to 
MARION)  Budd's  a  fine  fellow. 

MARION.  (Laughingly)  Yes — Budd's  a  fine 
fellow — but,  oh,  you,  Preston  De  Witt — (Door 
down  R.  opens  on  the  last  words  and  Budd  appears 
m  doorway.  MARION  takes  a  step  back  in  surprise) 


THE  BOOMERANG.  23 

Budd!  Where  in  the  world  did  you  come  from? 
(With  a  glance  of  understanding  from  BUDD  to 
GRACE)  Oh !  Now  I  see,  you  found  out  Grace  was 
here 

(GRACE  turns  up  R.  c.) 

BUDD.    I — I  am  waiting  to  see  your  brother. 

MARION.  I  didn't  know  you'd  met  him — You 
don't  know  where  he  is — do  you  ? 

BUDD.    He's  engaged  with  a  patient. 

MARION.  (With  amazement)  A  patient! 
(Crosses  up  L.  c.)  Did  you  hear  that,  girls?  My 
brother  has  a  patient!  (To  BUDD)  Are  you  sure? 

BUDD.    I  was  told  so. 

MARION.  I've  a  good  mind  to  call  up  Father! 
(Turns  to  GERTRUDE) 

BUDD.  (Going  to  GRACE  with  meaning — )  I'm 
glad  to  see  you're  feeling  better  to-day. 

GRACE.    Much  better,  thank  you. 

GERTRUDE.  Well,  it's  time  for  me  to  skip.  I 
know  I'll  be  awfully  late.  (Starts  to  door  L.) 

MARION.     (Going  with  her)     If  you  must 

GERTRUDE.    Oh,  I  can  find  the  way. 

MARION.  Oh,  no — I'll  go  with  you.  (GRACE 
turns  to  go  with  them)  You  wait  here,  Grace. 
(Exchanges  a  sly  glance  with  GERTRUDE) 

GERTRUDE.  Sorry  I  can't  see  the  match — but 
good  luck  to  all  of  you. 

(Exit  GERTRUDE  up  L.  accompanied  by  MARION. 
GRACE  and  BUDD  are  left  alone.  BUDD  stands 
nervously  and  ill  at  ease.  GRACE  feels  this 
without  looking  at  him.) 

BUDD.  You've  got  a  golf  match  on?  (Crosses 
R.  of  desk — puts  hat  on  desk) 

GRACE.  (Strolling  about  L.  c.  looking  at  instru 
ment  case)  Yes.  With  Marion  and  her  brother — 
that  is  it's  a  foursome. 

BUDD.    Oh—  (Pause)    Who's  the  fourth? 


24  THE  BOOMERANG. 

GRACE.  (Casually — back  turned  to  BUDD)  I'm 
playing  with  Preston  De  Witt — (An  expression  of 
pain  comes  over  BUDD'S  face.  He  sinks  into  chair, 
as  if  overcome  by  sudden  weakness,  then  as  GRACE 
turns  to  him,  he  rises,  making  great  effort  to  pull 
himself  together)  Oh,  Budd — those  bridge  scores 
were  just  the  kind  I  meant.  Where  did  you  manage 
to  find  them.  (Sits  on  arm  of  chair  L.  of  desk) 

BUDD.    I  sent  to  New  York. 

GRACE.  Oh !  Thanks  so  much.  I  hear  you  left 
the  party  early  last  night 

BUDD.    Yes. 

GRACE.    Wasn't  it  amusing? 

BUDD.  I — I  thought  you  were  going  to  be  there 
— (Turns  to  GRACE) 

GRACE.    Yes,  I  was! — Your  flowers  were  lovely. 

BUDD.    But — you  didn't  come ? 

GRACE.  No — somehow,  I  didn't  feel  quite  up  to 
it. 

BUDD.     (Turning  away)    "Somehow!" 

GRACE.    What  do  you  mean  by  that  ? 

BUDD.  (Looks  at  GRACE) — I  passed  by  your 
house  on  my  way  home 

GRACE.    That  isn't  on  your  way  home! 

BUDD.  I  went  around  that  way  to — to  ask  if  you 
were  ill 

GRACE.  (Crosses  front  of  desk)  Did  you  come 
to  see  me,  last  night  ? 

BUDD.  I  didn't  stop — because  I  saw  you  were 
engaged.  (GRACE  gives  him  a  look)  His  run 
about  was  outside. 

GRACE.    Well — what  of  that? 

BUDD.  Nothing. — Only  then  I  knew  why  you 
hadn't  come  to  the  dance. 

GRACE.  I'd  given  up  the  dance  long  before 
Preston  called.  I  hadn't  the  slightest  idea  he  was 
coming ! 

BUDD.  (R.  of  desk,)  But  he  must  have  known 
you'd  given  it  up 


THE  BOOMERANG.  25 

GRACE.  (Showing  exasperation,  crossing  R.) 
Now  you're  beginning  again ! 

BUDD.  (Turning  to  GRACE)  I  didn't  mean  to 
say  anything 

GRACE.  You  may  not  mean  it,  but  you  always 
do ! — And  I  tell  you,  once  more,  that  I  won't  have 
it!  I've  a  perfect  right  to  do  what  I  please — and 
go  where  I  please !  You  said  you  understood  that. 

BUDD.  I  do.  But — lately — you  seem  to  be  with 
De  Witt  all  the  time 

GRACE.  That's  not  true!  And  if  it  were,  it's 
entirely  my  own  affair!  And  it's  too  awfully  ex 
asperating  to  have  you  always  reproaching  me  and 
making  scenes  and 

(Enter  MARION  up  L.) 

MARION.  (At  door  up  L.)  Grace — here's  your 
partner!  (Turns  and  speaks  off  L.)  Come  in, 

Preston 

(Enter  PPESTON  DE  WITT,  a  stylish  young  man — 
in  very  natty  golf  clothes.  He  enters  quickly, 
goes  down  L.  c.,  R.  of  operating  chair.) 

PRESTON.  (Meeting  GRACE  and  shaking  hands) 
Ah — partner!  Ready  for  the  battle? 

GRACE.  Yes — rather!  (After  shaking  hands, 
GRACE  is  L.  of  desk,  front  of  desk  chair) 

PRESTON.     (Sees  BUDD)     Ah — Woodbridge! 

BUDD.  (With  effort — in  unnatural  voice  trying 
to  be  easy)  How  do  you  do?  (Crosses  up  R.) 

MARION.  Isn't  Jerry  through  with  his  patient 
yet? 

GRACE.    He  hasn't  been  in  here 

PRESTON.  (Leans  against  operating  chair)  Well, 
we'll  wait  for  him — but  I  was  in  hopes  we  could  get 
an  early  start. 

GRACE.  Why,  you're  not  thinking  of  going, 
now? 


26  THE  BOOMERANG. 

MARION.    Yes — as  soon  as  Jerry's  ready. 
GRACE.    But  I've  got  to  go  home  first. 

MARION.    What ! 

GRACE.  (Referring  to  her  clothes)  I  can't 
play  in  these  things! 

MARION.    Oh — then  you'll  be  forever! 
GRACE.    No — I  can  change  in  a  jiffy ! 
PRESTON.    Can't  I  be  of  assistance? 
GRACE.    Just  how  do  you  mean? 

PRESTON.     I'll  run  you  over  to  the  house 

GRACE.    Is  your  car  here  ? 
PRESTON.    Yes ! 

(GRACE  crosses  up  L.) 

MARION.  Then,  for  heaven  sakes,  hurry  up! 
(GRACE  turns  as  if  to  speak  to  BUDD)  You'll  ex 
cuse  us,  won't  you,  Budd? 

(Exeunt  MARION  and  GRACE  up  L.) 

PRESTON.  (Crossing  up  c.)  Shall  we  see  you 
at  the  club,  Woodbridge, 

BUDD.    No,  I  don't  think  so 

PRESTON.    Sorry. 

GRACE.     (Off  L.)    Preston. 

PRESTON.    So  long.    (As  he  exits)    Yes,  Grace. 

GRACE.     (Off)     May  I  drive  your  car? 

PRESTON.  (Speaking  off)  Why,  of  course;  I'd 
love  to  have  you,  etc.  (Exits  L.  closing  door) 

(BuDD  looks  after  them,  sinks  into  chair,  R.  of 
desk,  head  in  hands.  He  holds  this  position  a 
moment,  when  door  down  R.  opens  quietly  and 
VIRGINIA  enters,  with  index  card  in  her  hand. 
She  stops  suddenly  on  seeing  BUDD  and  stands 
looking  at  himf  with  sympathy.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Quietly)  Mr.  Woodbr idge-~-( BUDD 
rouses  himself)  The  Doctor  will  be  here  in  just  a 


THE  BOOMERANG.  27 

moment.     (BUDD  rises  quickly)    Oh,  don't  get  up! 
BUDD.    I'm  all  right,  thank  you. 
VIRGINIA.    Please  sit  down. 

(BUDD  sits.    She  goes  up  quickly  to  carafe  and  pours 
water  in  glass,  comes  to  him,  offers  water.) 

BUDD.    I'm  not  thirsty,  thanks. 

VIRGINIA.  I  thought  you  seemed  a  little  faint 
• — (Enter  GERALD  L.  leading  setter  dog  on  leash. 
He  is  surprised  to  find  BUDD  there.  He  has  his  hat 
on  and  carries  stick)  Here's  the  doctor — now! 
(BUDD  rises) 

GERALD.  How  do  you  do! — (VIRGINIA  goes  to 
him  L.  c.  and  relieves  him  of  his  hat  and  stick.  To 
VIRGINIA)  Thank  you — (She  takes  them  to  room 
up  R.)  Just  a  moment.  (Pushes  button  on  desk, 
pats  dog — EMILE  enters  from  down  R.  GERALD 
crosses  with  dog  to  R.  speaking  in  French) 

GERALD.    Voila,  Emile,  je  1'ai  achete ! 

EMILE.    A  la  bonheur! 

GERALD.  (Handing  leash  to  EMILE)  Mettez-le 
au  garage 

EMILE.  (Starting  R.  with  dog)  Tres  bien, 
monsieur ! 

GERALD.     Emile — il  s'appelle  "  Challenge." 

EMILE.  (Repeating)  "  Challenge  " — Compris, 
Monsieur. 

GERALD.    Gardez-le  bien 

EMILE.    Fiez-vous  a  moi 

GERALD.     Depechez-vous ! 

GERALD.  (Exit  EMILE  down  R.  closing  door. 
GERALD  turns  and  assumes  professional  air)  Have 
a  seat,  Mr. — (GERALD  doesn't  know  name.  Starts 
up  L.  to  wash  his  hands) 

BUDD.    Woodbridge 

GERALD.  Mr.  Woodbridge — I'll  be  with  you  in 
just  a  minute.  (Buoo  sits  R.  of  desk.  GERALD 
washes  hands.  While  drying  hands)  Beautiful 


38  THE  BOOMERANG. 

day— isn't  it?  (Pause)  Yes — (Throws  towel  in 
receptacle)  There  we  are.  Now — (Takes  out 
index  card  and  sits  L.  of  desk) 

VIRGINIA.  (Entering  up  R.  and  coming  down  to 
above  desk  c.t  picks  up  index  card  which  she  has 
left  there,  before  getting  water)  Here's  the  card, 
Doctor. 

GERALD.  (Looking  at  it — with  surprise)  Ah — 
you  took  the  history  for  me? 

VIRGINIA.  Yes — Mrs.  Woodbridge  gave  it  to 
me. 

GERALD.    (To  BUDD)    Your  wife ? 

VIRGINIA.  Mr.  Woodbridge's  mother — she 
wanted  to  see  you — but  she  couldn't  wait.  (Picks 
up  glass  from  desk  c.  and  places  it  up  c.) 

BUDD.  Doctor — there  isn't  a  thing  the  matter 
with  me — (VIRGINIA  stops  and  turns,  listening) 

GERALD.  Good !  Then  you've  come  to  the  right 
man. 

BUDD.  I  had  to  promise  I'd  come  and  be  ex 
amined. 

GERALD.  Cheer  up — we  may  be  able  to  find 
something  the  matter. 

BUDD.    You  won't,  I'm  sure. 

(VIRGINIA  takes  an  undecided  step  toward  desk. 
GERALD  notices  it.) 

GERALD.  (Politely)  That's  all,  thank  you,  Miss 
Xelva 

VIRGINIA.  (After  a  second's  hesitation)  Ex 
cuse  me,  Doctor,  but  I  have — a  message — for  you 

GERALD.    Ah?    Who  from? 

VIRGINIA.  (Hesitates  and  glances  at  BUDD) 
Mrs.  Woodbridge 

GERALD.  (Inquiringly)  Well — ?  What  was 
it? 

VIRGINIA.     (Coming  to  above  desk  c.)     Mra* 


THE  BOOMERANG.  29 

Woodbridge  asked  me  to  be  sure  and  tell  you  that 
her  son  is  in  an  extremely  nervous  condition — 
(As  if  trying  to  remember  details)  He  doesn't 
sleep — has  no  appetitie — no  interest  in  anything — 
he's  completely  different  from  what  he  used  to  be 
— and  that  he'd  promised  to  put  himself  in  your 
hands,  if  you  thought  you  could  help  him. 

GERALD.  (Looking  at  her — nodding  his  head) 
Thank  you,  very  much.  (VIRGINIA  starts  R.  As 
she  reaches  door,  GERALD  stops  her)  Miss  Xelva 
— (She  turns.  He  eyes  her  with  mock  serious 
ness)  No  more  appointments,  until  to-morrow, 
please.  (VIRGINIA  restrains  an  impulse  to  laugh 
and  exits  quickly  R.,  closing  door.  GERALD  picks 
up  index  card  and  scrutinises  it  carefully.  BUDD 
twists  in  seat  uncomfortably,  wipes  perspiration 
from  his  face.  GERALD,  looking  up  from  card, 
watches  BUDD  for  a  moment,  in  silence)  So,  you're 
off  your  feed,  eh? — and  can't  sleep? 

BUDD.    I've  been  a  little  nervous  lately,  that's  all. 

GERALD.  Mm — any  special  cause  for  it?  (Buoo, 
hesitating  and  shifting  his  gaze  with  increased  ner 
vousness,  after  a  pause,  shakes  his  head)  Mm — 
have  you  any  idea  whether  you've  been  running  a 
temperature  ? 

BUDD.  (A  trifle  hang-dog,  looking  at  Doctor 
after  slight  pause)  No,  sir. 

GERALD.  Never  conscious  of  feeling  a  little 
feverish  ? 

BUDD.     (Looking  away)     Sometimes. 

GERALD,    Feel  feverish — now? 

BUDD.     (Looks  at  Doctor)    Why? 

GERALD.  Your  face  looks  a  trifle  flushed — 
(Rises,  takes  thermometer  from  desk,  shakes  it) 
Well,  let's  see.  (Goes  around  above  desk  and 
comes  down  on  BUDD'S  right,  looks  at  thermometer 
— inserts  it  in  BUDD'S  mouth — looks  at  watch) 
Will  you  unbutton  your  waistcoat,  please — (GERALD 
goes  up  c.,  pours  water  into  a  glass,  goes  to  cabinet 


30  THE  BOOMERANG. 

up  L.  puts  antiseptic  from  bottle  into  glass — BUDD 
watches  him  nervously  ovet  his  left  shoulder.  He 
comes  down  between  the  desk  and  BUDD,  placing 
glass  on  lower  end  of  desk — touching  BUDD'S  arm 
motions  him  to  rise,  picks  up  sounding  hammer 
from  desk) 

BUDD.  (Talking  indistinctly,  with  thermometer 
in  his  mouth)  There  isn't  the  slighest  use  of  all 
this. 

GERALD.  I  know — but  it  won't  do  any  harm. 
(Proceeds  to  tap  him  on  the  chest — listening 
closely.  At  the  third  tap,  BUDD  gives  a  nervous 
twitch.  GERALD  taps  harder  in  same  spot.  BUDD 
repeats  twitch)  Is  that  sensitive? 

BUDD.    (Shaking  head)    No. 

GERALD.    It's  just  because  you're  nervous? 

BUDD.     (Indistinctly)     I  suppose  so. 

(After  a  few  more  taps,  GERALD  pauses,  puts  ham 
mer  on  desk,  looks  at  watch,  then  removes 
thermometer  from  BUDD'S  mouth,  examines  it, 
shakes  it  down,  places  thermometer  in  glass 
on  desk  and  crosses  to  L.  of  desk.) 

GERALD.  (During  the  above  business — pleas 
antly)  No  alarming  symptoms,  so  far — (Buoo 
takes  hat  from  desk  and  starts  for  door)  Just 
a  moment 

BUDD.    Any thirg  more? 

GERALD.  Oh,  I  haven't  hilf  earned  my  fee  yet! 
Would  you  mind  removing  your  coat  and  waist 
coat — (Goes  to  instrument  cabinet — opens  door — 
picks  up  a  saw  which  is  over  stethoscope) 

BUDD.  (Removing  co  t  and  waistcoat,  placing 
them  on  chair  L.  of  desk — hat  on  desk)  What  are 
you  going  to  do  ? 

GERALD.  (Coming  back  with  stethoscope) 
Kindly  get  into  this  chair — (Indicates  operating 
chair.  BUDD  gets  into  chair.  GERALD  flattens  out 


THE  BOOMERANG.  31 

chair.  He  puts  the  back  down  first.  BUDD  looks 
around.  Then  GERALD  raises  the  front  part  of  chair 
and  pushes  BUDD  back  into  a  reclining  position. 
BUDD  lies  face  up.  GERALD  puts  stethoscope  to  ears 
and  applies  it  to  BUDD'S  chest)  Now  take  a  deep 
breath — again — once  more — Now,  exhale — again — 
once  again — Now  fill  the  lungs — hold  it — (Telephone 
rings  on  desk  c.  GERALD  puts  stethoscope  on  desk, 
takes  up  receiver,  puts  it  back,  glances  at  BUDD  who 
has  started  to  get  up)  No — no — stay  where  you 
are — Miss  Xelva  is  answering  it.  (Comes  back  to 
BUDD.  Now,  turn  over,  please — (Buoo  does  so. 
GERALD  places  handkerchief  on  BUDD'S  back)  Now 
say,  "  Ah-h " 

BUDD.     (Lifting  head)     What? 

GERALD.  Say — "Ah-h" — (Buoo  does  so. 
GERALD  applies  ear  to  BUDD'S  back)  Again — once 
more — Now  say — one,  two,  three — (Buoo  says 
"one — two — three")  Again — (BUDD  repeats) 
Now  keep  it  up- 

BUDD.    One,  two,  three,  four,  five,  six 

GERALD.  No,  no — Just  say  one,  two,  three — one, 
two,  three — (BUDD  keeps  repeating  "One,  two, 
three,  one,  two,  three" — GERALD  drops  foot-piece 
and  raises  head-piece  of  chair.  BUDD  quickly  rises, 
puts  on  waistcoat  and  coat,  buttoning  up  waistcoat — • 
Crosses  R.  of  desk  as  he  does  so.  GERALD  writes 
notes  on  index  card  L.  of  desk,  then  crosses  R.  of 
BUDD)  Now  sit  down  and  let's  have  a  little  chat. 
(BUDD  sits  resignedly  R.  of  desk.  GERALD  draws 
up  chair  on  BUDD'S  R.)  Have  you  lost  any  weight 
lately? 

BUDD.    A  little. 

GERALD.     How  much? 

BUDD.    Oh,  about  ten  pounds. 

GERALD.  (With  slight  exclamation,  taking  out 
watch)  Pbew!  Ten  pounds — since  when? 

BUDD.    The  last  month  or  so. 

GERALD.    How  about  the  pulse  ? 


32  THE  BOOMERANG. 

BUDD.  (Wearily — holding  out  hand)  Oh,  my 
pulse  is  all  right — everything's  all  right 

GERALD.  (Holding  BUDD'S  pulse)  I'll  have  to 
admit  I  haven't  found  anything 

BUDD.    I  was  sure  you  wouldn't ! 

(GERALD  holds  BUDD'S  pulse,  consulting  watch,  as 
knock  on  door  R.) 

GERALD.  Come — (Enter  VIRGINIA  R.) 
VIRGINIA.  Excuse  me,  Doctor,  but  Miss  Tyler 
is  on  the  wire — she  says  that  she  and  Mr.  De  Witt 
have  been  delayed — and  she  wishes  to  know 
whether  they'll  meet  you  at  the  club  or  call  for 
you  here? 

(On  the  word  "delayed"  GERALD  raises  his  eyes 
and  looks  front  with  an  expression  of  great 
surprise.  After  VIRGINIA  finishes  speaking,  a 
pause;  GERALD'S  manner  showing  as  far  as 
possible,  that  BUDD'S  pulse  has  become  very 
rapid.  He  steals  a  surprised  glance  at  BUDD.) 

GERALD.     (After  pause)     Who  did  you  say? 

VIRGINIA.  Miss  Tyler — (GERALD  looks  at  watch) 
—What  shall  I  tell  her,  please? 

GERALD.  (Preoccupied)  Say  I'll  be  ready  when 
they  call.  (VIRGINIA  exits  R.  closing  door.  GERALD 
still  holding  BUDD'S  pulse,  eyes  him  curiously)  I've 
got  a  golf  match  on,  this  afternoon 

BUDD.    Yes,  I  know 

GERALD.  (Showing  surprise — then,  with  mean 
ing,  to  watch  the  effect)  Oh — then  you  are  a 
friend  of  Preston  De  Witt's?  (GERALD  looks  at 
watch,  then  raises  his  eyes  and  stares  front — sug 
gesting  that  BUDD'S  pulse  is  thumping) 

BUDD.  (Very  quietly  after  long  pause)  I  know 
him. 

GERALD.     (Convinced,  lets  go  of  BUDD'S  wrist 


THE  BOOMERANG.  33 

and  pockets  watch)  Know  what  sort  of  a  game  he 
plays  ? 

BUDD.    Very  good 

GERALD.  (Watching  BUDD)  I'm  afraid  my 
sister  and  I  will  be  snowed  under.  (Buoo  hesi 
tates,  then,  zvithout  a  word,  rises,  picks  up  his  hat 
and  crosses  to  door  R.)  You're  not  going? 

BUDD.  (Near  door  R.)  You've  finished  with 
me,  haven't  you — and  found  there  was  nothing  the 
matter 

GERALD.  (Rising)  Nothing  the  matter !  You've 
lost  ten  pounds  in  one  month — you  have  insomnia 
—your  appetite's  gone — you're  so  nervous  you  can't 
keep  still  a  moment — and  you  say  there's  nothing 
the  matter ! 

BUDD.  (Looks  at  GERALD  a  moment,  then  drops 
his  eyes  and  fingers  hat  nervously.  Speaks  with 
change  cf  tone)  Well — at  least  there's  no  help  for 
it — nothing  a  doctor  can  do,  I  mean. 

GERALD.  You  think  so,  eh?  (Crosses  to  L.  of 
desk) 

BUDD.  Why,  Doctor,  I'm  positive  no  treatment 
could  do  me  the  slightest  good. 

GERALD.    Like  to  make  a  little  bet  on  that  ? 

BUDD.    Then  you  think  there  is? 

GERALD.    I'm  willing  to  risk  money  on  it. 

BUDD.  You'd  lose,  Doctor.  You  can't  do  any 
thing  for  me. 

GERALD.  Very  well.  If  you  feel  that  way,  why 
there's  the  end  of  it. 

(BUDD  starts  R. — hesitates  near  door  R.     GERALD 
waits.    Pause.) 

BUDD.  (Turning)  The  trouble  is  I  promised 
my  mother 

GERALD.  Oh,  yes,  you  promised  your  mother — 
you'd  put  yourself  in  my  hands— if  I  thought  I 
could  help  you 

BUDD.    Yes. 


34  THE  BOOMERANG. 

GERALD.  Well,  how  are  we  going  to  get  around 
that? 

BUDD.  I  hoped  you'd  see  there  was  nothing  you 
could  do. 

GERALD.  And  unfortunately — for  you — I  think 
I  can  do  a  great  deal. 

BUDD.  Then,  I  suppose,  I'm  in  for  it.  (BUDD 
puts  down  hat  on  book-case) 

GERALD.    Good ! 

BUDD.  What  kind  of  treatment  do  you  think  I 
need? 

GERALD.  (Crosses  to  him)  Well — that  depends. 
First,  I  shall  have  to  ask  you  a  few  questions.  You 
may  find  them — a  trifle  embarrassing — (Sits  L.  of 
BUDD.  BUDD  gives  him  a  look  and  sits)  But, 
they're  necessary.  Will  you  answer  them? 

BUDD.    Certainly. 

GERALD.  (Pause)  How  long  have  you  been  in 
love  with  Grace  Tyler?  (Buoo  looks  at  him  stupe 
fied,  rises)  You  said  you'd  answer — you  know — 
(BuDD  sits  again — then  speaks  with  effort) 

BUDD.     (Looking  front)     Ever  since  I  met  her 

GERALD.    When  was  that? 

BUDD.     Last  year — the  24th  of  August. 

GERALD.  Love  at  first  sight,  eh? — Does  she — 
love  you? 

BUDD.    Is  that  question  necessary  ?  ^ 

GERALD.  I  shouldn't  dream  of  asking  it,  other 
wise. 

BUDD.    I — I  think  she  did. 

GERALD.  But  her  love's  grown  cold.  (Buoo 
gives  him  a  look)  Does  your  mother  know  about 
this? 

BUDD.  Certainly  not.  I've  never  mentioned  it 
— to  anyone. 

GERALD.  Good  for  you.  Now,  Preston  De  Witt 
(BUDD  shudders) — Is  he  attentive  to  Miss  Tyler? 

BUDD.     I'd  rather  not  speak  about  that!     I— 


THE  BOOMERANG.  35 

(Rises — very  agitated  yet  suppressed — crosses 
quickly  up  to  window — an  instant's  pause,  starts 
down  for  hat:  as  he  reaches  out  for  it,  GERALD 
speaks) 

GERALD.  (Looking  at  him,  with  sympathetic 
smile — chuckling)  It's  hell,  isn't  it?  (Buoo  stops 
and  gives  him  a  look.  GERALD  rises  and  speaks  as 
he  goes  to  him)  Oh,  I  know  how  you  feel,  old 
man,  and  exactly  what  you're  going  through — but 
— you  mustn't  let  it  get  the  best  of  you. 

BUDD.  (Breaking  out  violently)  Doctor,  it  has 
got  the  best  of  me! 

GERALD.  (Putting  hand  on  his  shoulder)  Non 
sense! — That's  not  the  way  to  go  on! 

BUDD.  (Drawing  away  from  him  slightly)  Do 
you  think  I  don't  know  that  ?  Pve  said  it  to  myself 
a  thousand  times!  She  knows  how  I  feel  toward 
her  and  if  she  doesn't  care  for  me  any  more,  I 
ought  to  be  man  enough  to  let  her  alone — But  I 
can't — !  (He  crosses  to  up  L.  c.) 

GERALD.  (Sits  R.  of  desk)  When  did  you  find 
out  she's  stopped  caring  for  you. 

BUDD.  I  don't  know — but  I've  felt  it — ever  since 
•—he  began  coming  around.  I  didn't  think  much  of  it 
at  first — and  then — then  they  were  together  more 
and  more  and  after  a  while,  she  seemed  to  prefer 
him  to  me.  I  made  up  my  mind — over  and  over 
again — that  the  only  decent  thing  for  me  to  do  was 
to  get  out  of  her  way !  But  I  couldn't  help  hanging 
around,  just  the  same.  Why,  I  keep  telling  myself 
I  won't  go  near  her,  while  I'm  on  my  way  to  her 
house.  And  all  the  time  I  know  perfectly  well 
what  an  idiot  I'm  making  of  myself.  And — when 
I  am  with  her — my  attempts  to  conceal  this — this 
damned  jealousy — to  appear  light-hearted  and  be 
jolly — (With  gesture  of  derision,  then  to  GERALD 
with  quiet  intensity)  And  now — little  by  little — 
in  spite  of  myself,  I've  begun  to  hate  him!  No 
matter  how  I  fight  against  it,  I  can't  keep  him  out  of 


36  THE  BOOMERANG. 

my  mind !  / 1  times,  I  imagine  I  see  him  somewhere 
alone — standing  and  waiting — and  I  try  to  hold  back 
and  keep  from  springing  on  him — and  then — she's 
there — coming  down  a  path — and  before  I  know 
it — I  have  him  by  the  throat,  strangling  the  life 
out  of  him — strangling — strangling!  (All  at  once 
he  becomes  conscious  of  GERALD,  gathers  himself 
with  an  attempt  at  a  sickly  smile)  That's  the  kind 
of  a  fool  I  am!  (He  sinks  into  chair  L.  of  desk 
and  buries  his  face  in  his  hands) 

(A  pause.     GERALD  looks  at  him  sympathetically 
then  goes  to  him  and  puts  hand  on  his  shoulder.) 

GERALD.  It's  tough — awfully  tough — however,  if 
you  will  fall  in  love,  you've  got  to  be  prepared  for 
such  things.  But  there's  no  need  to  call  yourself 
names.  Under  the  circumstances,  you've  behaved 
remarkably  well 

BUDD.  (With  a  gesture  of  disgust)  I  know 
how  I've  behaved! — Snivelling  like  a  school-boy! 
Why,  if  I  were  any  good,  do  you  think  I'd  have 
told  you  all  this  ? 

GERALD.  You  didn't  tell  me — you  only  answered 
my  questions.  I'd  already  found  out  what  the 
trouble  was.  (Leans  against  operating  chair) 

BUDD.  How  could  you  find  out?  (Rises  and 
goes  to  him)  Who  told  you?  Preston  De  Witt? 

GERALD.    No — you  did. 

BUDD.     (Incredulous)     I  did!? 

GERALD.  Yep.  By  your  manner.  (Buoo  gives 
him  a  startled  look)  Why,  anybody  with  half  an 
eye  could  see  what's  the  trouble  with  you. 

BUDD.  (Flabbergasted)  Good  Lord!  Do  you 
mean  to  say  I've  been  going  around,  making  an  ex 
hibition  of  myself!  Letting  everyone  know! — 
What  I  need  is  a  nurse!  (Sits.  A  pause.  GERALD, 
with  a  sudden  thought,  looks  front — then  looks  to 
ward  door  down  R.) 


THE  BOOMERANG.  37 

GERALD.  It's  quite  likely  we  shall  require  the  ser 
vices  of  a  nurse. 

BUDD.  Why  don't  you  give  me  a  rattle  and  a 
baby  carriage  and  a  bottle? 

GERALD.  (After  a  little  laugh)  No — I'm  seri 
ous 

BUDD.  Now,  that  you  know  what  my  trouble  is 
— you  don't  mean  to  say  you  still  think  you  can 
cure  me? 

GERALD.    I've  already  told  you  that. 

BUDD.  I  don't  believe  it — but  I  wish  something 
could  cure  me ! 

GERALD.  Are  you  willing  to  place  yourself  in  my 
hands  for  one  month? 

BUDD.     Yes. 

GERALD.  And  for  one  month,  you'll  do  exactly 
as  I  say,  whether  you  agree  with  me,  or  not? 

BUDD.    I'll  do  anything! 

GERALD.  All  right.  (Goes  to  medicine  cabinet, 
gets  graduated  glass  and  bottle  of  colorless  liquid 
/ — places  them  on  stand  down  L.  zvhich  holds 
electric  heater.  Note:  Phial  of  colorless  liquid — 
medicine  dropper  and  intrument  tongs  are  already 
on  this  stand)  Then  we'll  begin  now.  I'll  give 
you  your  first  treatment.  (Goes  to  instrument 
cabinet — gets  hypodermic  syringe — pretends  to  un 
screw  needle  and  to  drop  it  in  electric  heater — 
turns  on  electricity) 

BUDD.  Treatment!  Do  you  think  medicine  is 
going  to  cure  love  and  jealousy? 

GERALD.  I  think  it  13  going  to  cure  you.  (He 
pours  a  little  liquid  from  bottle  into  graduated 
glass)  Love  and  jealousy  isn't  the  root  of  your 
trouble. 

BUDD.    Then  what  is? 

GERALD.    Bugs. 

BUDD.    Bugs. 

GERALD.  Bugs!  Germs!  Microbes  1  Your 
Nervous  system  is  being  shattered  by  them.  You 


38  THE  BOOMERANG. 

imagine  jealousy  is  causing  your  nervousness. 
No — nervousness  is  causing  your  jealousy.  (Puts 
bottle  and  glass  back  on  stand.  BUDD  sits  staring 
at  him  blankly  a  moment,  then  bursts  out  laughing. 
This  laughter  continues  until  it  becomes  uncon 
trollable  and  ends  in  a  hysterical  sob.  GERALD 
goes  to  him  with  great  sympathy)  You  see  what 
your  nerves  have  brought  you  to. 

BUDD.  It  was  the  idea  of  my  being  full  of 
germs ! 

GERALD.  (Returning  to  stand  down  L.)  Every 
body's  full  of  'em — most  of  them  are  harmless — 
you've  got  some  bad  ones — (Picks  up  medicine 
dropper  and  fills  it  from  phial)  But  we're  going 
to  knock  'em  out!  Why,  we'll  have  you  in  such 
shape  that  you  won't  know  what  trouble  looks  like ! 

BUDD.  (After  a  pause — shaking  his  head)  I 
wish  I  could  believe  it.  (GERALD  drops  three  drops 
from  medicine  dropper  into  graduated  glass) 

GERALD.  You'll  see — it's  going  to  be  a  little  hard 
for  you — especially  as  first ! 

BUDD.    The  harder  the  better! 

(With  instrument  tongs,  GERALD  pretends  to  take 
needle  from  heater  and  to  screw  needle  on  to 
syringe.  As  he  opens  heater,  steam  issues 
forth.) 

GERALD.    Do  you  drink  ? 

BUDD.    Not  much. 

GERALD.    Smoke  ? 

BUDD.    Yes — quite  a  little. 

GERALD.  You  must  cut  them  out.  (With  hypo 
dermic  syringe  he  draws  up  liquid  from  graduated 
glass)  You  mustn't  even  look  at  a  high-ball 
Why,  one  teaspoonful  might  spoil  the  whole  valu/* 
of  these  microbes — (Holding  up  syringe) 

BUDD.    You're  going  to  put  microbes  in  me? 


THE  BOOMERANG.  39 

GERALD.     Billions  of  'em — to  fight  your  nerve 

bugs! 

BUDD.     (After  a  pause — meekly)     All  right. 

GERALD.  The  next  thing  is  exercise.  (Goes  to 
BUDD,  syringe  in  hand}  You  must  be  up  every 
morning  at  six  rain  or  shine,  and  take  half  an  hour's 
run,  at  a  brist  dog  trot.  Then  a  cold  shower  and 
breakfast.  In  the  forenoon,  two  hours  in  a  gymna 
sium  and  no  loafing  about  it.  After  lunch,  a  nice 
long  stroll — six  or  seven  miles — in  the  evening,  if 
you  feel  up  to  it,  a  short  go  at  the  punching  bag. 
In  other  words,  all  the  exercise  you  can  stand — and 
for  one  month,  no  social  engagements  whatever! 
Do  you  know  what  I  mean  by  that? 

BUDD.  (Looking  at  DOCTOR)  Keep  away  from 
—her? 

GERALD.  (Looking  front)  Yes — and  all  your 
friends.  Last,  and  most  important  of  all,  this 
serum — (Holding  up  syringe)  once  every  day. 
Now,  if  you'll — (Going  to  him,  suddenly  stops  and 
thinks)  Oh,  just  a  moment — (Goes  to  desk  and 
presses  button.  Door  down  R.  opens  almost  im 
mediately  and  enter  VIRGINIA)  Come  in,  please, 
Miss  Xelva — (VIRGINIA  comes  to  R.  of  desk)  Will 
you  take  off  your  coat,  Mr.  Woodbridge ?  (GERALD 
goes  up  to  medicine  cabinet,  gets  bottle  of  alcohol 
and  absorbent  cotton — comes  doivn  L.  of  operating 
fhair — puts  hypodermic  syringe  on  stand  down  L.) 

BUDD.  (To  VIRGINIA  as  he  takes  off  coat  and 
places  it  on  desk)  Pardon  me 

GERALD.  Sit  down,  please — (Indicating  operat 
ing  chair)  And  roll  up  your  sleeve — (Buoo,  after 
glance  at  VIRGINIA,  rolls  up  right  sleeve — sits  ir. 
operating  chair)  Miss  Xelva — (VIRGINIA  crosses 
to  R.  of  operating  chair)  I  want  you  to  do  this  so 
you'll  know  how  to  give  Mr.  Woodbridge  his  treat 
ment  when  I'm  not  here.  First,  saturate  this — 
(Handing  her  cotton)  with  the  alcohol — (Handing 
her  bottle.  VIRGINIA  does  so.  He  gets  hypodermic 


40  THE  BOOMERANG. 

from  stand.  VIRGINIA  rubs  arm  with  cotton) 
Now,  take  hold  of  the  arm  and  press  it  tight — 
(VIRGINIA,  after  a  glance  at  him,  does  so,  shyly  and 
with  right  hand.  Taking  cotton  from  her)  No — 
the  other  hand — (She  changes  hands)  That's  the 
way!  Next,  take  the  syringe  and  hold  it — so — 
— (Illustrates.  VIRGINIA,  a  little  frightened,  takes 
hypo  and  holds  it  as  he  did)  That's  right  1  Now, 
jab  it  in ! — 

VIRGINIA.    Oh 

GERALD.  Let  me  tell  you — (He  illustrates  with 
out  the  syringe)  Give  a  quick  push  with  the  needle 
— like  this — then  press  the  thumb-piece  down — 
slowly.  Then,  twitch  it  out.  Now  let's  see  you  do 
it.  Hold  the  arm  tight  and  then  it  won't  hurt — 
(VIRGINIA  gives  BUDD  a  frightened  look,  then 
glances  at  GERALD,  nerves  herself,  takes  hold  of 
OUDD'S  arm — squeezes  it  violently — BUDD  winces) 
Not  too  hard — just  firmly.  Now 

VIRGINIA.  (Rather  breathlessly.  To  BUDD)  I 
hope  it  won't  hurt  you. 

BUDD.    I  don't  mind. 

GERALD.  [You  won't  hurt  him  if  you  jab  it 
quickly. 

(VIRGINIA,  after  some  hesitation,  sets  her  jaw  and 
pushes  needle  into  BUDD'S  arm.) 

VIRGINIA.  {Excitedly.  To  BUDD)  Was  it  very 
bad? 

BUDD.    I  didn't  feel  it. 

VIRGINIA.    Very  nice  of  you  to  say  so. 

GERALD.  Come  along — press  down — slowly! 
Give  it  time.  That's  the  way ! — splendid.  Now,  out 
quick!  (VIRGINIA  pulls  out  needle)  Very  neatly 
done — (He  wipes  BUDD'S  arm  with  cotton)  Now, 
rub  it  with  the  palm  of  your  hand — (He  takes 
syringe  from  her.  She  proceeds  to  rub  BUDD'S  arm 
gently.  GERALD  drops  cotton  into  refuse  receptacle 


THE  BOOMERANG.  41 

— then  puts  hypo  on  stand — then  picks  up  gradu 
ated  glass  and  the  two  bottles.  VIRGINIA  gets 
BUDD'S  coat)  Feeling  a  little  dizzy? 

BUDD.  I  don't  thirk  so.  (GERALD  takes  glass 
and  bottles  back  to  medicine  cabinet.  BUDD  goes  to 
VIRGINIA  a  little  up  L.  c.)  You  will — but  it  will 
pass  off  presently. 

BUDD.  (As  VIRGINIA  helps  him  on  with  coat,  L. 
of  desk)  Thank  you,  very  much. 

GERALD.  (Turning  and  seeing  them — suddenly) 
Here — I  wouldn't  try  to  stand  up  just  yet !  (VIR 
GINIA  quickly  catches  BUDD  by  the  arm — GERALD 
crossing  to  L.  of  BUDD) 

BUDD.  (Looking  with  surprise  from  VIRGINIA 
to  GERALD)  I  feel  all  right.  (To  VIRGINIA) 
You're  very  kind — but  you  needn't  trouble.  (VIR 
GINIA  lets  go  of  his  arm.  GERALD  takes  hold  of 
him  quickly) 

GERALD.  You  should  always  lie  down  for  five 
minutes  after  each  treatment — there's  a  couch  in 
there — Miss  Xelva — (Indicating  up  R.  VIRGINIA 
opens  door  up  R.)  Try  to  lie  quietly,  until  I  let  you 
know 

BUDD.  Funny — but  I  don't — feel — anything — • 
at  all 

GERALD.  Splendid!  (Exit  BUDD  up  R.  GERALD 
comes  down  L.  of  desk.  VIRGINIA  closes  door  up 
R.  and  comes  down  facing  GERALD  R.  of  desk)> 
Well,  you've  landed  my  first  patient  for  me ! 

VIRGINIA.  I  had  nothing  to  do  with  it!  You 
were  recommended  because  you're  a  modern 
doctor ! 

GERALD.  Anyhow,  it's  our  first  case,  and  to 
gether  we've  got  to  make  a  success  of  it ! 

VIRGINIA.  (After  a  little  laugh)  Have  you 
found  out  what  the  trouble  is? 

GERALD.     (With  mock  seriousness)    I  have. 

VIRGINIA.    Oh — good ! 

GERALD.    Eh  ? 


42  THE  BOOMERANG. 

VIRGINIA.  Mrs.  Woodbridge  said  the  family 
physician  hadn't  the  faintest  idea  what  it  was. 

GERALD.  (With  playful  contempt)  Oh — well — 
of  course — the — family  physician — what  can  you 
expect  ? 

VIRGINIA.  (Apprehensively)  Do  you  think 
you  can  cure  him  ? 

GERALD.  I'm  going  to  try — but  it's  an  awful 
disease. 

VIRGINIA.    Could  you  tell  me  what  it  is? 

GERALD.    Jealousy. 

VIRGINIA.    Jealousy ! 

GERALD.  Plain,  old-fashioned  jealousy.  (She 
looks  at  him  with  an  incredulous  smile)  Oh,  I 
mean  it.  And  here's  a  great  opportunity  for  you. 
(Both  come  down  front  of  desk) 

VIRGINIA.    Me  ? 

GERALD.  Yes.  (Impressively)  He  needs  a 
nurse!  (VIRGINIA  gives  him  a  look)  You  want 
to  be  a  nurse — don't  you?  You  said  you  were 
dying  to  be 

VIRGINIA.  I  am — but  not  that  kind  of  a  nurse ! 
(Laughing)  Trying  to  cure  a  man  of  jealousy. 

GERALD.  (After  a  pause)  Have  you  ever  been 
in  love?  (She  looks  at  him,  smiles  and  shakes  her 
head)  Then  you  don't  know  anything  about  jeal 
ousy? 

VIRGINIA.  I  didn't  know  it  could  be  treated  by 
a  doctor. 

GERALD.  Not  by  the  family  physician!  But  a 
modern  doctor  can  treat  anything 

VIRGINIA.  But  if  it's  only  jealousy — why  did 
you  put  that  medicine  in  his  arm? 

GERALD.  That  was  pure  distilled  water — with 
three  drops  of  pure  distilled  water  added  to  it. 
Now  don't  think  I'm  not  taking  this  case  seri 
ously — I  am.  This  boy's  in  a  dangerous  condi 
tion.  He's  right  on  the  brink  of  a  nervous  collapse 
— and  all  because  he's  got  girl  on  the  brain. 


THE  BOOMERANG.  43 

So  you  and  I  have  got  to  get  her  off.  And  the 
first  thing  to  do  is  to  give  him  something  else  to 
worry  about.  Now  I'm  trying  to  transfer  his  at 
tention  from  love  to  microbes.  And  there's  where 
nurse  comes  in.  He  must  be  made  to  believe  she's 
keeping  a  strict  record  of  his  condition.  And,  all 
the  time,  she  must  be  doing  her  best  to  amuse  him 
and  keep  his  mind  constantly  occupied.  And,  be 
lieve  me,  that's  just  as  worthy  and  difficult  a  task  as 
nursing  a  patient  through  typhoid.  (Gets  chart 
out  of  drawer) 

VIRGINIA.    Then  I'd  love  to  try  it! 

GERALD.  That's  fine.  (Knock  on  door  down  R.) 
Come  in — 

(EMILE  enters  down  R.) 

EMILE.  Excuse,  please,  but  the  Doctor's  sister 
say  that  Miss  Tyler  and  Mr.  De  Witt  are  waiting 
now,  some  time,  outside,  in  the  automobile. 

GERALD.  Oh!  Tell  'em  I  won't  be  able  to  go 
— (EMILE  starts  to  exli  down  R.  GERALD  crosses 
to  EMILE)  Hold  on!  (EMILE  stops.  To  VIR 
GINIA)  Miss  Tyler's  the  girl  he's  in  love  with — 
and  De  Witt's  the  one  he's  jealous  of 

VIRGINIA.     Oh 

GERALD.  (Thinking— half  to  himself)  I'll  be 
through  here  in  a  moment — and  it  might  be  useful 
to  get  acquainted  with  Miss  Tyler  and  De  Witt. 
(To  EMILE)  Oh,  Emile,  say  I'll  be  there  in  two 
minutes 

EMILE.  Bien,  monsieur — (VIRGINIA  goes  up  to 
window  and  looks  off) 

GERALD.  And — Emile — throw  my  golf  clothes 
in  a  bag  and  put  them  in  the  car  and  get  my  cap — 
(EMILE  exits,  closing  door)  Now,  Miss  Xelva,  I'll 
show  you  how  to  keep  a  chart.  (VIRGINIA  sits  R. 
of  desk)  The  date  goes  here — the  hour,  here — do 
you  know  how  to  take  a  pulse  ? 


44  THE  BOOMERANG. 

VIRGINIA.     (Nodding)    Yes. 

GERALD.     Good ! — Temperature  ? 

VIRGINIA.    I'm  not  sure 

GERALD.  (Taking  thermometer  from  glass) 
111  show  you — you  put  this  under  the  tongue  and 
leave  it  there  a  minute,  then,  look  at  it — shake  it — 
and  write  down  99 — (Indicating  place  on  chart) 

VIRGINIA.    Yes,  sir — 

(GERALD   puts   thermometer    back   in   glass   then 
goes  up  and  opens  door  up  R.) 

GERALD.  (Speaking  off  R.)  Will  you  come  in 
now,  Mr.  Woodbridge !  (After  a  puase,  BUDD  ap 
pears  in  the  doorway)  Has  the  dizzy  feeling  passed 
off  yet? 

BUDD.    I  don't  think  I've  had  any 

GERALD.  Good!  (Crosses  down  R.  of  BUDD. 
To  VIRGINIA)  Make  a  record  of  that  on  the  chart. 
(VIRGINIA  writes  on  chart)  I  think  you're  going 
to  be  able  to  stand  the  treatment  very  nicely.  Oh, 
let  me  present  you  to  Miss  Xelva — (They  bow — 
BUDD  solemnly — VIRGINIA,  with  a  curious  smile) 
Miss  Xelva  is  going  to  look  after  your  case. 
BUDD.  (His  face  falling)  How  do  you  mean 

GERALD.    You've  got  to  have  a  nurse,  you  know. 

BUDD.    (Very  forlornly)     Have  I ? 

GERALD.  Oh,  that's  absolutely  essential.  But  no 
one  need  to  know  anything  about  it.  In  fact  it's 
better  that  no  one  should  suspect  that  you  are  ill. 
Except,  of  course,  your  mother. 

BUDD.    I  should  prefer  that. 

GERALD.  (Going  between  them)  Now,  let's 
*ee^Miss  Xelva,  you  will  go  to  Mr.  Woodbridge's 
at  eight  to-night.  If  you  find  him  at  all  restless — 
well,  111  give  you  full  instructions  later. 


THE  BOOMERANG.  45 

VIRGINIA.    Oh,  then  I  won't 

GERALD.  Oh — that  won't  interfere  with  your 
work  here — you'll  be  here  every  day,  during  office 
hours — and  the  balance  of  the  time  with  your 
patient — (To  BUDD)  Remember,  to-morrow  morn 
ing,  you'll  be  called  at  six — after  your  gymnasium, 
you'd  better  drop  in  here — we'll  make  it  eleven- 
thirty ? 

BUDD.    Any  time 

GERALD.  (To  VIRGINIA)  Try  to  squeeze  Mr. 
Woodbridge  in  at  11:30.  (VIRGINIA  writes  it 
down)  That's  all  for  to-day,  Mr.  Woodbridge — 
(Goes  above  desk — hearing  voices,  watches  BUDD. 
BUDD  starts  to  go  R.,  reaches  out  for  hat  but  does 
not  take  it) 

PRESTON.  (Off  up  R.)  I  say,  Doctor,  has  your 
watch  stopped? 

GRACE.  (Off  up  R.)  Don't  Preston — (Laughs) 
He'll  come  as  soon  as  he  can.  (Buoo  quickly  gets 
hat,  starts  to  open  door  R.) 

GERALD.  Oh,  Mr.  Woodbridge — one  minute— 
(To  VIRGINIA)  Before  he  goes,  Miss  Xelva,  take 
his  pulse  and  temperature — to  see  if  there's  any 
reaction 

MARION.     (Off  down  R.)    Jerry!    Jerry! 

GERALD.    Yes  ? 

MARION.    Do  come  on 

GERALD.  I'm  coming — (Picks  up  golf -bag.  To 
BUDD)  Excuse  me  for  running  away — but  I've  got 
an  important  operation — these  are  my  instruments  f 
(Exits  down  R.) 

MARION.  (Off  R. — indistinctly)  It's  a  shame  to 
keep  us  all  waiting  like  this.  It'll  be  dark  before 
we  get  half  way  around!  etc. 

PRESTON.     (Off  up  R.  calling)     Grace — Grace 

GRACE.  (Off  up  R.  calling)  Preston  may  I  turn 
the  car  around? 


46  THE  BOOMERANG. 

PRESTON.  You  can  try!  (Pause)  Look  out! 
Grace !  Grace ! 

GRACE.  Oh!  (Laughingly)  I  nearly  hit  the 
lamp-post!  (Laughs  harder) 

PRESTON.  The  best  way  for  you  to  turn  is  to  go 
around  the  block ! 

GRACE.  Then  get  in  with  me  and  I'll  give  you  a 
ride! 

PRESTON.  Right — o!  We'll  face  death  to 
gether  ! 

(GRACE  laughs.  As  soon  as  GERALD  exits  and 
GRACE'S  voice  is  heard,  BUDD  goes  up  to  win 
dow  and  looks  out  off  R.  VIRGINIA  looks  at 
him,  sympathetically;  gets  thermometer — rises, 
crosses  R.  c.) 

VIRGINIA.     Mr.  Woodbridge — Mr.  Woodbridge 

BUDD.    Excuse  me 

VIRGINIA.     May  I  take  your  temperature  now? 

(BuDD  comes  down  and  sits  R.  c.,  looks  at  her  and 
opens  his  mouth.  She  puts  in  thermometer^ 
holds  out  her  hand  for  his  pulse.  He  extends 
hand — she  takes  pulse.) 

GERALD.    (Off)    Where  are  they? 

MARION.     (Off — )     Here  they  are. 

GRACE.  (Off)  Hello — did  you  think  we'd 
gone? 

MARION.     (Off)     Where  were  you? 

GRACE.  I've  been  turning  the  car  around — I'm 
going  to  be  the  chauffeur,  Dr.  Sumner 

GERALD.    Then,  I'll  walk. 

DEWiTT.    All  aboard— 

{Auto  door  slams.) 


THE  BOOMERANG.  47 

GRACE.     You  ride  in  the  front  seat  with  me, 
Preston 

(VIRGINIA  stands  holding  BUDD'S  wrist,  looking 
down  at  him  sympathetically — BUDD  slowly 
looks  at  her — she  smiles  encouragingly) 

(MEDIUM  CURTAIN.) 


ACT  II. 

SCENE: — A  living  room  at  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE'S. 
Fire  pace  down  R.  A  French  window  (prac 
tical)  above  it — doors  up  c.,  up  L.  c.  and 
larger  double  door  down  L.  Table  c.  Settee 
up  L.  c.  with  work  table  in  front  of  settee,  work 
basket j  piece  of  embroidery,  silk  yarn,  thread, 
etc.  Above  settee  a  standing  lamp,  back  of 
settee  and  against  scene  L.  a  small  table  with 
telephone — up  R.  c.  against  scene  another  small 
table  with  lamp  and  small  vase  of  flowers.  Up 
in  BUDD'S  den  off  up  c.  desk  with  writing  pad, 
blotters  and  three  magazines,  one  The  Archi 
tectural  Record.  A  large  easy  chair  up  R.  c. 
A  collapsible  card  table  down  R.  c.  with  chair 
R.  of  it  and  chair  L.  of  it.  On  card  table  a 
lighted  lamp — score  card  and  pencil.  Cards 
arranged  for  Ruhm — seven  cards  for  VIRGINIA 
Jack,  Queen,  King  of  Clubs — three  ID'S,  and 
odd  card — rest  of  pack  half  with  faces  exposed. 
A  footstool  under  this  card  table.  The  fender 
at  the  fireplace  is  upholstered  on  top — so  that  it 
can  be  used  to  sit  on.  Chandelier  and  wall 
brackets — on  table  c.  is  a  small  medicine  bag, 
absorbent  cotton,  alcohol  bottle,  syringe  and 
themometer — two  account  books  and  fountain 
pen;  medical  chart  in  little  book.  All  doors 


48  THE  BOOMERANG. 

closed  at  rise  except  double  doors  on  veranda, 
which  are  slightly  open. 

TIME  : — About  9  p.  M.    One  month  later  than  Act, 

DISCOVERED.—ViRGiNiA,  in  white  nurse's  cos 
tume,  with  cap,  is  seated  L.  of  card  table — 
BUDD,  in  every  day  sack  suit,  is  seated  R.  of 
card  table.  They  are  playing  cards.  MRS. 
WOODBRIDGE  is  seated  on  settee  L.  c.  em- 
broidering.  One  pack  of  cards  lies  face  down 
on  card  table  ready  -for  next  deal — the  other 
pack  is  in  play.  VIRGINIA  has  a  score  pad  and 
pencil  beside  her.  She  and  BUDD  have  each 
seven  cards  in  their  hands.  The  pack  they  are 
playing  with  lies  face  down  in  c.  of  table,  with 
one  card,  face  up  beside  it.  VIRGINIA  takes 
card  from  deck  and  then  plays  a  card  from  her 
hand,  face  up.  BUDD  draws  card  from  pack 
— plays  three  cards — discards  one. 

VIRGINIA.    What !    Already ! 

BUDD.  Yes,  you'd  better  hurry  up.  (VIRGINIA 
draws  card  from  deck  and  throws  it  dozvn  dis 
gustedly.  BUDD  draws  card  from  deck  and  plays 
one  card  on  the  three  he  had  previously  played) 
That  closes  those — (Gathers  up  the  four  cards 
played  and  places  them  c.  then  discards  one) 

VIRGINIA.  (After  hesitating)  I  think  I'll  take 
that — (She  takes  it  and  discards  the  10  of  Spades. 
BUDD,  without  drawing,  lays  his  three  cards  down) 

BUDD.    (Laughs)    Out ! 

VIRGINIA.  Oh,  dear!  (Counting  cards  in  her 
hand)  Forty-eight — that's  game!  (Puts  cards  in 
center  of  table.  She  writes  on  pad)  You've  won 
seven  times  in  succession ! 

BUDD.  (Looking  at  her  and  shaking  head  as  he 
shuffles  cards)  Lucky  at  cards 


THE  BOOMERANG.  49 

VIRGINIA.     (With  a  warning  gesture)     Now— 

now 

BUDD.    All  right — 

(HARTLEY  enters  up  c.  with  photograph  album.) 

HARTLEY.  (Bringing  album  to  VIRGINIA)  Is 
that  the  one,  Miss  ? 

VIRGINIA.  (Taking  it — turning  over  pages) 
Yes — this  is  it — Thank  you,  Hartley — (HARTLEY 
exits  up  c.) — There — that's  the  Inn 

(BuDD  takes  book  and  looks  at  pictures.) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Doesn't  it  look  attractive, 
Budd? 

BUDD.    Yes — fine ! 

VIRGINIA.  Oh — you'd  love  it — I'm  sure!  It's 
so  quaint  and  primitive  and  far-away! 

BUDD.    When  were  you  there? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Virgie  was  there  winter  be 
fore  last — with  her  aunt. 

VIRGINIA.  (Turning  over  pages)  That's  the 
Funicular — and  here's  the  little  post-office — and 
here's  the  market — and  the  cunning  little  Alpine 
shop! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  If  we  decide  to  take  a  trip, 
I  think  it  would  be  just  the  place  for  us — don't  you, 
Budd? 

BUDD.  Yes.  And  let's  decide  right  away. 
(MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  laughs:  BUDD  turns  pages  of 
album) 

VIRGINIA.    Is  it  my  deal? 

BUDD.  (Assenting)  M'm — m'm — (She  begins 
dealing.  He  looks  at  another  picture) — What  place 
is  this? 

VIRGINIA.  That's  my  aunt's  villa  at  Lucerne. 
(Looking  across  at  it) 

BUDD.    By  Jove !    Quite  a  place ! 


50  THE  BOOMERANG. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Yes.  Isn't  it  charming!— 
And  that's  Virgie  on  horse  back ! 

BUDD.  (Surprised — to  VIRGINIA)  Is  that  you? 
(VIRGINIA  nods) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Doesn't  she  look  smart — in 
her  riding  habit! 

BUDD.  I  should  say  so!  (Clock  on  mantel 
strikes  nine) 

VIRGINIA.  Oh — nine  o'clock!  (Gathering  up 
cards)  Now  for  your  punching  bag!  (Places 
chair  L.  of  table  c.,  cards  and  pad  in  drawer) 

BUDD.  (Rises)  Time  to  go  to  work  again — 
(VIRGINIA  goes  up  c.  presses  button  and  turns  up 
light  of  chandelier.  BUDD  places  lamp  from  card 
table  on  mantelpiece,  turns  it  out  after  chandelier  is 
lit,  then  folds  up  card  table) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Budd,  I  should  think  you 
would  be  ready  to  drop! 

BUDD.  Why,  I  am  not  a  bit  tired.  (He  folds  up 
card  table) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  I  hope  you  are  not  over 
doing  it. 

VIRGINIA.  The  doctor  always  wants  him  to  take 
a  little  exercise  just  before  his  treatment.  (Moves 
other  chair  to  R.  of  table  c.) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Yes,  I  understand,  that's 
the  regular  routine — but  it  does  seem  as  if  you 
might  make  an  exception  to-day. 

VIRGINIA.  Oh,  no!  With  the  treatment,  birth 
days  are  no  different  from  other  days. 

BUDD.  (Card  table  is  folded — he  starts  up  c.) 
Oh,  it's  just  the  thing  for  me !  Makes  me  feel  fine 
and  sleep ! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  You  really  do  feel  like  your 
old  self? 

BUDD.    Of  course. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  And  you've  had  a  happy 
birthday? 


THE  BOOMERANG.  51 

(VIRGINIA  sits  R.  of  table  and  begins  working  on 
account  books.) 

BUDD.  Why,  yos — and  a  great  birthday  dinner! 
— It's  going  to  be  an  awful  blow  to  you,  mother, 
when  you  realize  that  I  am  well  and  you  can't 
worry  about  me  any  more,  (Exits  up  c.  with  card 
table) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  If  anyone  had  told  me,  a 
month  ago,  that  my  boy  could  stand  such  terrific 
exercise  from  morning  till  night ! 

VIRGINIA.    But  see  the  results ! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  I  know  it.  And  those  nerve 
hypodermics! — Well!  When  I  looked  at  Budd  to 
night,  across  the  table,  and  saw  him  peaceful  and 
contented,  enjoying  his  birthday  dinner,  with  his 
face  lighted  up  by  those  little  birthday  candles,  I 
could  hardly  believe  it  was  the  same  boy  that  I  took 
to  Dr.  Sumner's  office  a  month  ago ! — Oh,  I  realize 
what  the  Doctor's  done,  and  I  can  never  be  grate 
ful  enough  to  him. 

VIRGINIA.  And  the  Doctor  feels  he  can't  be 
grateful  enough  to  you — Just  think  of  all  the 
patients  you've  sent  him! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Oh,  he's  bound  to  get 
patients!  Why  everyone  who  goes  to  him  sends 
somebody  else. 

VIRGINIA.  Yes,  and  he  is  beginning  to  like  his 
work  so  much !  ( Takes  open  book  to  MRS.  WOOD- 
BRIDGE)  Look! — He  made  all  these  calls  to-day — 
(Telephone  rings.  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  goes  to  it) 
And  this  afternoon  we  had  five  people  in  the  wait 
ing  room  at  one  time. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (At  phone  L.)  Hello — yes 
— hold  the  wire — it's  for  you  Virgie — from  Dr. 
Sumner's  office — (She  holds  receiver  for  VIRGINIA 
to  take) 

VIRGINIA.  (Crossing  above  sofa  to  phone. 
Taking  receiver)  Thank  you — (In  phone)  Is 


52  THE  BOOMERANG. 

that  you,  Emile?  (MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  crosses  up 
to  work  table.  Puts  her  sewing  away)  Oh,  yes- 
it's  that  package  on  my  desk — And,  oh,  Emile,  let 
me  speak  to  her,  please — Good-evening,  Mrs. 
Webster — have  you  got  the  medicine? — yes — just 
as  he  told  you — (MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  goes  up  and 
closes  window) — and  Mrs.  Webster,  the  Doctor 
paid  for  it — I  say  he  paid  for  it — ninty  cents — 
(HARTLEY  enters  up  L.  c.  with  telegram  on  tray — 
brings  it  to  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  up  R.  c.  MRS. 
WOODBRIDGE  motions  HARTLEY  to  remove  work 
table  which  he  places  R.  above  fireplace — also  moves 
arm-chair  dozvn  R.  of  stool.  During  this  MRS. 
WOODBRIDGE  has  opened  telegram,  shows  pleased 
surprise,  glances  over  at  VIRGINIA  curiously — 
hesitates) — Yes — Oh,  Emile  will  get  it  changed  for 
you — How  is  he  to-night?  That's  good — Oh,  there 
is  no  need  of  that  till  morning.  I'll  stop  on  my  way 
to  the  office  and  show  you — not  at  all — good-bye — 
(VIRGINIA  comes  L.  of  table  c.) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (Up  R.  c.)  Hartley — that 
gentleman  who  called  to-day  wasn't  Mr.  Grant,  was 
it? 

HARTLEY.     (Trying  to  remember)     Mr.  Grant? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Yes,  Mr.  Theodore  Grant, 
the  lawyer  ? 

HARTLEY.  Oh,  no,  ma'am.  (HARTLEY  exits  up 
L.  c.) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Well,  he'll  probably  be  here 
later  in  the  evening — Virgie ! 

VIRGINIA.     (Looking  up  at  her)     Yes ? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Perhaps — I'd  better  not  tell 
you  now — but  when  Mr.  Grant  comes  I  may  have 
some  good  news  for  you ! 

VIRGINIA.    Oh,  how  nice! 

(HARTLEY  opens  doors — does  not  enter.    MARION 
enters  up  L.  c.    HARTLEY  closes  doors.) 


THE  BOOMERANG.  53 

MARION*.    Good-evening ! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Marion !  What  a  stranger 
you  are — (Meets  MARION  and  kisses  her  down  R.  c.) 

MARION.  Why,  Miss  Xelva — (VIRGINIA  nods 
in  acknowledgment.  MARION  turns  to  MRS.  WOOD- 
BRIDGE)  Is  anybody  ill? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Oh,  no! 

MARION.     I  thought — seeing   Miss  Xelva  here 


MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Oh,  I  see — Miss  Xelva  and 
I  are  greU:  friends!  (Crossing  around  arm-chair 
— sits — MARION  near  and  to  L.  of  her.  VIRGINIA 
sits  L.  of  table  c.) 

MARION.     Really?    Where's  Budd? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  He's  in  his  den — with  his 
punching  bag ! 

MARION.  Punching  bag!  (She  looks  up  c. 
Bag  is  punched  three  times  very  loud,  then  de- 
cresendo  and  stops.  She  turns  back  to  MRS.  WOOD- 
BRIDGE,  after  a  slight  pause)  Why — er — oh? 
Was  the  punching  bag  a  birthday  present? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  What?  Oh,  no,  he's  very 
fond  of  exercise  nowadays ! 

VIRGINIA.    He'll  be  through  in  a  few  minutes. 

MARION.  (Places  chair  and  sits  L.  of  MRS.  WOOD- 
BRIDGE,  slightly  above  her)  Well,  I  must  tell  you 
before  he  comes  back !  A  few  of  Budd's  friends  are 
going  to  give  him  a  birthday  surprise  to-night! — 
We  are  all  coming  together  at  just  ten  o'clock — 

(VIRGINIA  is  busy  with  account  book  again.) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (Rising)  Oh,  no! — I  am 
afraid  that  wouldn't  do — it  wouldn't  do  at  all. 
(Looks  front — hesitates — then  turns  to  MARION — 
impressively)  Marion — you  must  make  some  ex 
cuse  and  stop  them  from  coming! 

MARION.    Why? 


J4  THE  BOOMERANG. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  We've  kept  it  a  secret  from 
everybody,  but  Budd  hasn't  been  at  all  well. 

MARION.  Oh — I  didn't  know  that — I  am  so 
sorry 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Oh,  he's  greatly  improved! 
.But  your  brother's  given  positive  orders  that  Budd 
must  be  kept  from  all  excitement 

MARION.     {Amazed)     My  brother! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Yes — Budd's  been  under  his 
care — and  he's  done  wonders  for  him! 

MARION.    Well — I  can't  understand  that. 

MRS.  WOODGRIDGE.    Why,  Marion ! 

MARION.  I  don't  mean  it  that  way — But  the  sur 
prise  party  was  Jerry's  idea! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    What! 

MARION.  Yes — he  got  up  the  whole  thing  and 
told  me  just  who  to  invite!  (MRS.  WOODBRIDGE 
looks  at  MARION) 

VIRGINIA.  Oh,  yes,  Dr.  Sumner's — (MRS. 
WOODBRIDGE  crosses  to  VIRGINIA  R.  of  table  c. 
MARION  crosses  front  of  arm-chair)  had  this  in 
mind  for  a  week — he  thinks  it  is  just  what  Mr. 
Budd  needs  now. 

MRS.  WOODBRIBGE.  Well,  of  course,  I  have 
every  confidence  in  Dr.  Sumner 

MARION.  He  was  coming  over  to  tell  you  about 
'*t  himself — but  he  had  an  emergency  call— ( VIR 
GINIA  shows  interest)  just  as  we  were  sitting  down 
to  dinner,  so  he  asked  me  to  tell  you  and  to  say 
that  he'd  be  here  before  the  crowd  came  and  to 
keep  Budd  occupied — so  he  wouldn't  suspect. 
(MARION  sits  in  arm-chair) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  It  seems  dreadfully  sudden! 
I  do  hope  it  won't  be  too  much  of  a  shock  for  Budd. 

VIRGINIA.  Oh,  the  Doctor  knows  best  about 
that! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Of  course,  it  will  be  lovely, 
if  Budd  can  have  a  little  fun  again — poor  boy — 
(Looking  at  MARION) — he  hasn't  seen  any  of  his 


THE  BOOMERANG.  55 

friends  for  nearly  a  month  I—and  he's  never  com 
plained  about  it! 

VIRGINIA.     He  never  complains  about  anything. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Perhaps  you've  had  some 
thing  to  do  with  that 

MARION.  Why — have  you  been  taking  care  of 
Budd,  MissXelva? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Has  she?  (Back  of  VIR 
GINIA'S  chair  a  little  to  R.)  Why,  your  brother 
says  that  Virgie's  done  more  for  Budd  than  he 
has! 

VIRGINIA.    Did  he?    Really? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  He  told  me  that  Budd  sim 
ply  couldn't  get  on  without  you — and  that  Ad 
couldn't  either. 

VIRGINIA.    That  was  one  of  his  jokes. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (Crosses  to  arm-chair. 
MARION  rises)  Marion,  you  know  this  a  secret  and 
you  mustn't  mention  it. 

MARION.    You  mean  about  Budd? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Yes — and  why  Miss  Xelva's 
here — or  any  of  it! — Your  brother's  very  partic 
ular  that  no  one  should  know! 

MARION.  (Crosses  to  up  L.  c. — front  of  MRS. 
WOODBRIDGE)  Of  course,  I  won't!  Not  a  word! 
Well,  I  must  get  back — (Turning)  Oh — we've 
some  music  coming — couldn't  Hartley  be  on  the 
lookout  for  the  men?  (Crossing  back  R.  c.) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Certainly! 

MARION.  I'll  bring  everybody  out  there — (In 
dicating  window  tip  R.)  on  the  veranda — and  we 
can  sneak  in  through  the  windows 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  All  right!  I'll  leave  it  un 
bolted.  (Turns  up  to  window  and  unbolts  it) 

VIRGINIA.  Miss  Sumner — Did  you  say  the 
Doctor  hadn't  had  any  dinner? 

MARION.     Yes — he  was  called  away,  just  as — 

(BUDD  enters  up  c.    He  wears  rubber-soled  tennis 

shoes — flannel    trousers — athletic    shirt    with 


56  THE  BOOMERANG. 

short  sleeves — a  jersey  coat,  unbuttoned,  end 
boxing  gloves.) 

BUDD.  Why — good-evening — Marion — (Goes  to 
shake  hands,  then  removes  right  hand  glove— 
shakes  hand — MARION  draws  him  a  step  down  R. 
c.  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  crosses  to  door  up  L.) 

MARION.  I  haven't  seen  you  for  ever  so  long!— 
How  wonderfully  you're  looking! 

BUDD.    Yes — I'm  fine — thanks— how  are  you? 

MARION.  Why,  I — oh — I  just  came  over  on  an 
errand  and  I  must  hurry  back.  (Starts  up  L.  c 
VIRGINIA  rises) 

BUDD.    Are  you  going  home  alone  ? 

MARION.  (At  door  L.  c.)  Oh,  no — I  came  in 
the  motor.  (To  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE)  Oh,  please 
don't  bother ! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (Standing  in  open  door)  I 
want  to  ask  you  something 

MARION.  Oh!  Good-night.  (Exits  up  L.  c. 
after  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  who  closes  door) 

VIRGINIA.    Good-night.  \ Spoken  together 

BUDD.    Good-night. 

(BuDD.  (As  door  up  L.  c.  closes)  Marion  looks 
natural — what  brought  her  over?  (Crosses  to  R.  of 
table — takes  off  gloves) 

^  VIRGINIA.  (Sitting  L.  of  table— -taking  out  chart) 
She  came — to  see  your  mother — what  was  the 
weight  to-night? 

BUDD.  (Crossing  back  of  table  to  L.  of  table — 
throws  gloves  on  settee)  Seven  and  three-quarters. 
(Taking  off  jersey-coat) 

VIRGINIA.  Another  half  pound.  I'm  proud  of 
you — Now  your  exercise.  Before  breakfast? 

BUDD.    Three  miles. 

VIRGINIA.    Gymnasium  ? 

BUDD.    Same  as  usual — two  hours  and  a  half. 

VIRGINIA.    Afternoon  ? 

BUDD.    I  walked  over  the  mountain  to-day. 


[THE  BOOMERANG.  |7 

VIRGINIA.  (Rises — gets  thermometer  from  bag 
on  table  c.  BUDD  puts  coat  on  settee)  You  really 
enjoyed  your  birthday  dinner  to-night — didn't  you? 

BUDD.  Wasn't  it  funny  that  one  candle  didn't 
blow  out — (VIRGINIA  comes  to  him) — that's  sup 
posed  to  mean  I'm  going  to  get  married. 

VIRGINIA.  (Putting  thermometer  in  his  mottth 
quickly)  That's  a  dangerous  subject — we're  not  to 
talk  about  Miss  Tyler,  you  know!  (Goes  back  to 
table — saturates  cotton  with  alcohol — brings  cotton 
and  filled  hypodermic  to  BUDD — gives  him  treat 
ment  as  indicated  in  ACT  I  in  a  very  matter  of  fact 
way.  Takes  thermometer  out  of  his  mouth — looks 
at  it — shakes  it) 

BUDD.    Ninty-nine  again? 

VIRGINIA.  M'm — (Writes  on  chart.  MRS. 
WOODBRIDGE  enters  up  L.  c.  VIRGINIA  puts  syringe 
in  case) 

BUDD.  Come  in,  mother — we've  finished. 
(Takes  up  coat  and  gloves  from  settee  and  starts 

VpC.) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  But  you  are  not  going  out, 
Budd  ?  (Sits  on  settee  L.  c.) 

BUDD.  (At  door  up  c.)  I've  got  to  lie  down 
for  five  minutes — you  know — (Buoo  exits  up  c. 
HARTLEY  enters  up  L.  c.  with  card  on  tray  which 
he  brings  to  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  VIRGINIA  takts 
up  medicine  case) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (Looking  at  card)  Is  it 
Mr.  Grant? 

HARTLEY.    No,  madam,  Mr.  De  Witt 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Mr.  De  Witt? 

VIRGINIA.  (With  sudden  anxiety)  Preston  DC 
Witt? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Why — do  you  know  him? 

VIRGINIA.  No.  (Pauses — glances  at  4&er 
where  BUDD  has  gone  off) — But — I  know  wko  be 


58  THE  BOOMERANG. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  He  probably  wants  to  sec 
Budd. 

VIRGINIA.  Oh,  that  wouldn't  do! — I  mean  Mr. 
Budd  ought  not  to  be  disturbed  while  he  is  lying 
down! 

HARTLEY.  Mr.  De  Witt  asked  to  see  you, 
ma'am. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  To  see  me?  Why,  what  in 
the  world — ?  Show  him  into  the  library. 

VIRGINIA.  (Stopping  HARTLEY)  No!  No! 
(To  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE)  Mr.  Budd's  lying  down 
in  there. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Very  well'— I'll  see  him  in 
here. 

(HARTLEY  exits  up  L.  c.  leaving  doors  open.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Going  to  door  up  c.)  Mrs.  Wood- 
bridge — it's  just  as  well — if  Mr.  Budd  doesn't  know 
that  Mr. — er — anyone  is  here. 

(HARTLEY  appears  in  doorway  to  usher  DE  WITI 
in.) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    What? 

( PRESTON  enters  up  L.  c.    VIRGINIA  exits  up  c.) 
PRESTON.    Good-evening. 

(HARTLEY  moves  standing  lamp  at  end  of  settee 
to  L.) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (Shaking  hands)  How  do 
you  do,  De  Witt — Won't  you  sit  down?  (He  sits 
in  chair  L.  of  table — she  sits  again  on  settee.  An 
embarrassed  pause.  With  sudden  thought)  Oh! 
You've  come  for  Budd's  surprise  party ! 

PRESTON.    Have  I? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Well — don't  you  knew? 


THE  BOOMERANG.  59 

PRESTON.    I  don't  know  exactly  what  it  is ? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Why,  it's  Budd's  birthday 
and  a  few  of  his  friends  are  coming  over  to  sur 
prise  him — but  they  won't  get  here  till  ten  o'clock 

PRESTON.    Oh — then  I'd  love  to  join  them! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  That's  awfully  nice!  And 
Budd  will  be  so  pleased! 

PRESTON.  (Uncertainly — looks  front)  Urn — 
yes !  The  fact  is  I  haven't  seen  anything  of  your 
son  for  quite  a  while.  I've  wondered  what  had  be 
come  of  him 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Why — he — er  he's  been  de 
voting  nearly  all  of  his  time  lately  to  athletics! 

PRESTON.    Athletics  ?    What  for  ? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Oh,  just  training,  you  know 
— (Looking  away  from  DE  WITT  so's  not  to  see  his 
look  and  rise) 

PRESTON.  (Rising* — with  look  of  anxiety — takes 
two  or  three  steps  down-stage)  Oh! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (After  a  pause)  Am  I  to 
flatter  myself  that  this  call  was  meant  for  me? 

PRESTON.  Well,  I — I  think  so.  (Sitting  again) 
I  really  don't  know  what  it's  about,  but  I  am  here 
in  place  of  Mr.  Grant 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Oh!  How  stupid  of  me  I 
You're  in  Mr.  Grant's  office,  of  course ! 

PRESTON.  Well — I  am  a  member  of  the  firm — in 
a  way 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Indeed! 

PRESTON.  Oh,  yes — and — er — Mr.  Bruce  Gordon 
wired  us  this  afternoon  to  call  here — about  some 
thing  or  other — naturally  any  word  from  Mr. 
Gordon  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  us — so  I 
imagine  Mr.  Grant  thought  best  to  place  the  matter 
in  my  hands. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (Looks  at  PRESTON. — tak 
ing  up  telegram)  I  received  this  telegram  from  Mr. 
Gordon,  not  half  an  hour  ago — (Handg  it  to  him} 


6o  THE  BOOMERANG. 

PRESTON.  (After  reading  it)  What  docs  it 
mean? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  It  means  that  I  have  found 
his  niece. 

PRESTON.  His  niece!  I  didn't  know  he'd  lost 
one. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (Smiles)  Did  you  never 
hear  of  Mr.  Gordon's  sister? 

PRESTON.  Oh,  yes — there  was  some  scandal 
about  Mr.  Gordon's  sister,  wasn't  there?  She 
eloped  with  someone  or  other  and  the  family  dis 
owned  her — and  all  that  sort  of  thing! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Well,  her  daughter  is  here! 

PRESTON.    In  Hartford? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  In  the  next  room!  She's 
been  Budd's — that  is — our  guest — for  some  time — 
I  met  her  through  Dr.  Gerald  Sumner — Oh,  he  is 
such  a  wonderful  man,  Mr.  De  Witt — if  you  are 
ever  ill  you  really  must  go  to  him!  Well,  Virgie's 
studying  in  his  office — to  be  a  trained  nurse. 

PRESTON.    Oh 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  And  it  was  only  the  other 
day,  by  the  merest  accident,  that  I  found  out  who 
she  was ! 

PRESTON.  Pardon  me — just  what  did  you  find 
out? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  I  found  out  she  came  here 
in  search  of  her  grandmother 

PRESTON.  Old  Mrs.  Gordon — why,  she's  been 
dead  for  years. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Yes,  but  Virgie  didn't  know 
that.  And  she  knew  nothing  else  about  the  family ! 
Why,  when  I  asked  her  why  she  hadn't  gone  to  her 
uncle,  she  said  fcne  didn't  know  she  had  one! 

PRESTON.     She'd  never  heard  of  Bruce  Gordon! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Never!  I  was  on  the  point 
of  telling  her — when  I  remembered  about  her 
mother — so  instead,  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Gordon! 
TKat  telegram  is  in  reply  to  my  letter. 


THE  BOOMERANG.  61 

PRESTON.    And  you  believe  this  story? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Oh,  there  is  no  doubt  about 
it!  I  noticed  a  family  resemblance  the  moment  I 
found  out  who  she  was! 

PRESTON.  My  dear  Mrs.  Woodbridge — if  you'd 
knocked  about  as  much  as  I  have,  you'd  know  the 
world  is  full  of  people  who  make  a  business  of 
trumping  up  claims  against  men  of  wealth 

MRS  WOODBRIDGE.  Oh,  you  wouldn't  say  that  if 
you  knew  her. 

PRESTON.  {Rising  and  indicating  telegram — 
going  to  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE)  You  see — Mr. 
Gordon  wants  her  to  come  to  New  York — only  on 
condition  that  she  is  able  to  bring  substantial  proof 
of  her  identity. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Which  she  can  of  course. 

PRESTON.  (Laughing)  I  must  be  the  judge  of 
that.  (Backing  up-stage  a  couple  of  steps) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Would  you  like  to  see  her? 

PRESTON.     Naturally. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  She's  in  the  library  with 
Budd.  I'll  call  her  in. 

PRESTON.  (Crossing  down  L.)  Good!  And 
we'll  find  out  whether  her  story's  straight — once  I 
ask  her  a  question  or  two,  believe  me. 

MRS.  WoorsRiDGE.  (Opening  door  up  c.  and 
calling  off)  Virgie — oh,  you're  alone! 

VIRGINIA.  (In  BUDD'S  den)  Yes— Mr.  Budd's 
taking  his  shower. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGL\  Will  you  come  in  here  a 
minute,  please?  (Crossing  a  little  down  R.  c. 
Enter  VIRGINIA  up  c.  PRESTON  is  struck  by  her 
appearance — MRS.  WOODBRTDGE  goes  to  VIRGINIA) 
Mr.  De  Witt— this  is  Miss  Xelva. 

PRESTON.  (With  entire  change  of  manner, 
going  to  her,  shaking  hands.  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE 
moves  down  R.  c.  a  step)  Delighted — Miss  Xelva 
—delighted !  You're  quite  right,  Mrs.  Woodbridgc 


02  THE  BOOMERANG. 

— there  is  a  resemblance — undoubtedly!  Miss 
Xelva,  I  hope  you  will  consider  me  as  a  friend  1 

VIRGINIA.  (Surprised — then  with  a  touch  of 
sarcasm)  Indeed! 

PRESTON.  I  assure  you  I  am  going  to  do  all  in 
my  power  to  be  of  assistance. 

VIRGINIA.  (Looks  at  him  puzzled — then  glances 
at  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  To  PRESTON)  I'm  afraid 
I  don't  quite  understand 

PRESTON.  Oh — I  am  here  as  a  representative  of 
Mr.  Bruce  Gordon. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Your  uncle.  * 

(VIRGINIA  goes  to  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.) 
VIRGINIA.     Oh?     The  one  you  told  me  about 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Virgie,  we've  glorious  news ! 
I  have  been  dying  to  tell  you  all  the  evening! 
Your  uncle  wants  to  see  you! 

VIRGINIA.  (Laughs)  Well — that's  awfully 
nice  of  him — but  I  don't  see 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  She  doesn't  know  who  Mr. 
Gordon  is ! 

PRESTON.    Doesn't  know 

VIRGINIA.  (To  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE)  I  know 
you  said  he  was  my  mother's  brother 

PRESTON.  Why,  my  dear  Miss  Xelva,  he's  one 
of  the  greatest  financial  powers  in  the  country- 
worth  millions  and  millions ! 

VIRGINIA.    Oh 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  And  you're  his  nearest  rela 
tive  !  Virgie,  just  think  of  it ! 

VIRGINIA.    I'm  trying  to 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  You'll  be  a  great  heiress! 
Won't  she,  Mr.  De  Witt? 

PRESTON.  It  certainly  looks  that  way!  (Takes 
three  steps  backwards  down-stage  L.  c.) 


THE  BOOMERANG.  63 

VIRGINIA.  I — I — should  say  it  was  glorious 
news 

PRESTON.  Of  course,  Miss  Xelva,  it  will  first 
be  necessary  to  establish  your  claim 

VIRGINIA.  (Crossing  down  R.  of  table.  During 
scene  MRS.  WOODB RIDGE  keeps  R.  of  and  slightly 
below  VIRGINIA)  My  claim? 

PRESTON.    That's  what  I  am  here  for,  you  know. 

VIRGINIA.  — So  you  want  to  find  out  if  I'm  a 
humbug. 

PRESTON.  I've  no  fear  of  that,  now  I've  seen 
you,  but — er 

VIRGINIA.    But  you  must  have  proof ! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  And  then  Mr.  De  Witt  will 
take  you  right  on  to  New  York ! 

VIRGINIA.  (With  sudden  change  of  expression) 
— New  York? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Yes — to  Mr.  Gordon!  Oh, 
Virgie,  his  house  is — well — it's  really  more  like  a 
palace,  and  he  lives  there  all  alone!  But  now — 
now  it  will  be  your  home,  too! 

VIRGINIA.    Oh,  no 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Of  course  it  will!  He'll 
want  you  to  live  with  him — I'm  sure! 

VIRGINIA.  But — I  couldn't  leave  here — you  see, 
it  wouldn't  be  fair  to  Dr.  Sumner 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Dr.  Sumner  wouldn't  stand 
in  your  way,  for  a  moment !  Why,  he  won't  think 
of  allowing  you  to  stay,  wh~n  he  knows ! 

(VIRGINIA  looks  at  her,  crosses  «.     MRS.  WOOD- 
BRIDGE  crosses  to  L.  of  table.) 

PRESTON.  (Crosses  R.  c.)  Of  course  he  won't. 
Don't  concern  yourself  about  that  in  the  least !  And 
now,  if  you'll  answer  me  a  few  questions — (She 
sits  R.  c.  in  arm-chair — MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  sits  L.  of 
table.  PRESTON  takes  chair  R.  c.  with  a  quick  glance 
to  see  if  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  has  a  chair,  and  places 


64  THE  BOOMERANG 

his  chair  L.  of  VIRGINIA — sits)  Can  you  toll  me 
any  of  the  circumstances  connected  with  your 
parent's  marriage? 

VIRGINIA.    That  was  before  my  time, 

PRESTON.  Quite  so—you  see,  1  must  have  some 
thing  to  establish  the  identity  of  your  mother 

VIRGINIA.    Oh — must  you? 

PRESTON.  Now,  you  probably  have  a  picture  of 
her?  (She  shakes  her  head)  No  old  photograph? 
(She  shakes  her  hc*d)  Well,  have  you  any  of  her 
letters  or  papers— or  documents — that  would  show 
her  handwriting? 

VIRGINIA.     (As  before)     No 

PRESTON.  Nothing  at  all  to  substantiate  your 
claim  ? 

VIRGINIA.    I  haven't  made  any  claim 

PRESTON.  (Rises — puts  chair  back  of  arm 
chair)  But,  my  dear  Miss  Xelva.  I'm  trying  to 
help  you — and  I  must  make  a  report  to  Mr.  Gor 
don — what  can  I  say? 

VIRGINIA.  You  can  say  I  haven't  given  you  any 
proof  at  all  and  that  I'm  not  going  to  make  any 
claim — ^VIRGINIA  rises— -MRS.  WoorwRino.E  r:st\<} 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Virgie— (VIRGINIA  looks  at 
her)  Surely — you  don't  realize — •— 

VIRGINIA.  Oh,  yes — yes,  I  realize — (Crosses  to 
fireplace) 

PRESTON.  And  you  really  wish  me  to  send  that 
message  to  Mr.  Gordon? 

VIRGINIA.    If  you  will,  please 

PRESTON.  (After  a  pause)  Very  well.  (To 
MRS.  WOODBRIDGE)  I'm  afraid  there's  nothing 
more  I  can  do 

VIRGINIA.  Thank  you  so  much  for  all  the 
trouble  you've  taken. 

PRESTON.  Not  at  all! — I  can  only  say  I — I'm 
sincerely  sorry.  (Shakes  hands  ?c»;//;  MKS.  ^OOP- 
BRIDGE  to  whom  he  says)  Good-bye.  Of  course — - 
this  is  only  an  au  revoir.  I  shall  be  back  shortly  for 


THE  BOOMERANG.  65 

the— -er — surprise  party — (To  VIRGINIA)  Good- 
evening.  (MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  crosses  to  R.  c. 
PRESTON  starts  for  door  up  L.  c.  stops  and  turns  at 
door,  speaks  to  VIRGINIA  who  has  crossed  L.  of 
arm-chair)  Oh — until  I  communicate  with  Mr. 
Gordon — May  1  ask  that  you  both  treat  this  matter 
in  confidence — (VIRGINIA  and  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE 
bow)  Thank  you.  Good-evening.  (Exits  up  L.  c., 
closing  door) 

(MRS.   WOODBRIDGE  stands  staring  at  VIRGINIA 
who  returns  her  look.) 

VIRGINIA.    You  wrote  to  my  uncle—didn't  you? 

(MRS.  WOQDBRIDGE  crosses  down  R.  and  sits  m 
>K**  ann-chair.) 

\ 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    I  thought  it  was  my  duty. 

VIRGINIA.  (Sitting  on  foot-stool  beloiv  MRS. 
WOODBRIDGE— taking  her  hand)  Please  don't 
think  I'm  ungrateful — But — but 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  But,  Virgie,  it  was  such  a 
wonderful  opportunity!  Why  in  the  world  you 
want  to  throw  it  all  away — I  can't  imagine.  ( Turn- 
itnj  way  from  VIRGINIA) 

VIRGINIA.  You  said, — if  Dr.  Sumner  knew,  he 
wouldn't  let  me  stay. 

MRS.  WoormRiDGE.  Dr.  Sumner?  (She  looks 
nf>  olanccs  at  VIRGINIA,  then  looks  front)  Oh-  i 
(Stniles  understandingly) 

VIRGINIA.  Mrs.  Wpodbridge — I  don't  want  to 
live  in  New  York — I  just  want  to  go  on  with  my 
work ! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDCE.  (Smiles  with  understand 
ing)  And  have  Dr.  Sumner  say  he  couldn't  get 
along  without  yon? 

VIRGINIA.    I'd  rather  have  that  than — the  other 


66  THE  BOOMERANG. 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (Looks  at  her  with  sym 
pathy — smiles,  puts  arm  about  her)  Then  I  won't 
say  another  word  about  it ! 

VIRGINIA.     (Archly)     Not  even  to  the  Doctor 

3 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (Smiling)  Not  even  to  the 
Doctor 

VIRGINIA.  (With  a  sigh  of  relief)  That's  all 
right — (Rises  and  puts  foot-stool  above  fireplace. 
Enter  BUDD  up  c.) 

BUDD.    Where's  Doctor  Stunner? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Dr.  Sumner ? 

BUDD.  I  thought  I  heard  him — (To  VIRGINIA) 
You  said  he  was  coming  over  to-night — (Crossing 
to  settee  L.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Crosses  c.  above  table)  Yes,  and 
he  ought  to  be  here  very  soon  now — and,  oh — Mrs. 
Woodbridge — his  sister  said  he  hadn't  had  any 
dinner ! 

(BUDD  sits  on  settee  L.) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (Crosses  to  VIRGINIA) 
Well — why  not  tell  Hartley  to  have  some  sand 
wiches  ready  for  him? 

VIRGINIA.    May  I? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Of  course! 

VIRGINIA.  Thank  you — I'll  tell  him  now — (Exits 
ttf  L.) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (After  VIRGINIA  has  closed 
door — with  mystery,  R.  of  BUDD)  Budd — I've  just 
made  a  discovery — I  think  Virgie  has  fallen  in  love ! 

BUDD.  In  love — poor  girl !  (Rises)  What  make 
you  think  that? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    I'm  sure  of  it! 

BUDD.    Who  is  she  in  love  with? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Dr.  Sumner! 

BUDD.  (Crossing  to  L.  of  table — sits)  Ofe— •* 
that's  too  bad 


THE  BOOMERANG.  67 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.    Why,  Budd!    I 

(Enter  VIRGINIA  down  L.  with  envelope  in  her 
hand.  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  motions  to  BUDD  to 
say  nothing  about  it.) 

VIRGINIA.  Mrs.  Woodbridge,  Hartley  would  like 
to  see  you 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (To  VIRGINIA)  Did  you 
tell  him  about  the  sandwiches  for  Dr.  Sumner? 

VIRGINIA.  Yes — thanks — (To  BUDD)  This 
just  came  for  you — by  messenger — (Hands  him 
envelope — then  goes  to  above  table  c.  and  gathers 
up  books  back  of  table) 

(BuDD  opens  envelope.) 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGDE.  (L.  of  BUDD)  A  birthday 
card?  May  I  see  it?  (Buoo  looks  at  it — shows 
agitation — hands  it  to  her)  From  Grace  Tyler! 
(VIRGINIA  looks  at  BUDD  quickly)  That's  awfully 
sweet  of  her — when  you  think  of  how  she's  been 
neglected ! 

BUDD.    Eh ? 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  Why —  you  haven't  seen  her 
for  ever  so  long! 

VIRGINIA.    — He  hasn't  seen  any  of  his  friends 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  (Handing  card  back  to 
BUDD)  But  it's  different  with  Grace — (Sighs — 
crosses  L.)  Poor  girl — I'm  afraid  you  don't  care 
about  her  as  much  as  you  used  to.  (Exits  down 
L.  closing  doors) 

BUDD.  (With  a  sickly  smile — VIRGINIA  stands 
R.  of  him)  That's  funny — but  I'm  glad  she  doesn't 
know — (Looks  at  card — nervousness  increases— 
reading  card) 

May  joy  and  love 


68  THE  BOOMERANG. 

In  your  life  ne'er  cease 
But  grow  and  grow 
As  your  years  increase. 

(Repeating  bitterly) — Joy  and  love!  (He  stares  at 
card) 

VIRGINIA.  (Reaching  out  her  hand)  You'd 
better  let  me  take  that — (He  looks  at  her — hands 
her  card)  Now,  let's  talk  of  something  else! 
(Takes  chair  from  R.  c.  and  places  it  R.  of  table) 

BUDD.  (Rises  and  crosses  to  fireplace)  If  I 
could  only  be  sorry  that  she  sent  it ! 

VIRGINIA.  Why,  it's  nothing  but  a  printed  birth 
day  card — that  doesn't  amount  to  anything — (Sits 
R.  of  table  placing  card  on  lower  end  of  table) 

BUDD.     I've  got  to  acknowledge  it — haven't  I? 

VIRGINIA.  The  Doctor  will  tell  you  what  to  say 
— just  as  he  a/ways  does 

BUDD.    That's  what  I'm  afraid  of 

VIRGINIA.    What  do  you  mean  ? 

BUDD.  Do  you  know  the  replies  he  made  me 
send  to  the  two  letters  I  got  from  her? 

VIRGINIA.     No — you  never  showed  them  to  me 

BUDD.    Would  you  like  to  see  them? 

VIRGINIA.     Why,  yes — if  you  want  me  to — 

(BuDD  unbottons  waistcoat  and  takes  two  creased 
and  well-worn  letters  from  inside  pocket  of  it — 
next  to  heart.) 

BUDD.  (Handing  her  one)  This  was  the  first 
one — it  came  two  weeks  ago — (He  sits  in  arm 
chair  R.  c.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Reading)  "  Dear  Budd — Where 
are  you  keeping  yourself? 

BUDD.  No — See,  she's  got  a  line  under  the  "  are  " 
— it's — "  Where  are  you  keeping  yourself  " — like 
that 

VIRGINIA.      (Continuing    her    reading)      "  I've 


THE  BOOMERANG.  69 

been  afraid  you  were  ill — and  was  so — "(Hesitates 
trying  to  decipher  word)     "  So 

BUDD.  (Without  looking  at  letter)  "  Glad  "— 
"  I've  been  afraid  you  were  ill — and  was  so  glad 
to  hear  you  were  out  walking  yesterday 

VIRGINIA.  (Continuing)  "I'm  giving  a 
Bridge  Party,  Thursday  evening,  and  you  must 
come.  As  ever,  Grace." 

BUDD.  (Rises — goes  to  her  and  turns  over  page 
of  letter)  There's  some  more 

VIRGINIA.    Oh — (Reads) 

"  P.  S.    Come  early  "—(Hands  letter  back  to  BUDD 
• — smiles) 

BUDD.  This  is  the  answer  the  Doctor  made  me 
send — (He  recites  from  memory)  "Grace  dear: 
So  nice  to  hear  from  you — don't  count  on  me  for 
Thursday,  but  you  know  I'll  come,  if  I  can — Aw 
fully  busy.  Affectionately  and  hurriedly — Budd." 
Then  the  day  after  the  party — he  made  me  write 
her — "  Awfully  sorry  I  missed  party — can  you  for 
give  me? — Terribly  ashamed — forgot  all  about 
it."  Imagine  what  she  must  have  thought!  (He 
crosses  L.  ) 

VIRGINIA.  Did  you  tell  the  Doctor  you  didn't 
want  to  send  it  ? 

BUDD,,  Yes — of  course.  But  he  told  me  I'd 
promised  to  do  anything  he  said.  I  didn't  think 
she'd  write  again,  after  that,  and  I  suppose  that's 
what  he  thought — but  she  did — a  week  later — this 
came — (Takes  out  another  letter — reads) 
"  My  dear  Budd — you're  a  bad  boy — and  I'm  dread 
fully  angry  with  you — But,  for  once,  I'll  forgive 
you — just  because  you've  asked  me  to — isn't  that 
good  of  me? — If  yoa  ve  nothing  better  to  do,  drop 
in  to-morrow  f ^r  tea— Grace  " — Be  here  at  four — 
some  people  are  f  -ming  at  five — "  Then,  the 
Doctor  made  me  call  her  up,  when  he  knew  she  was 
out — and  leave  word  that  I  couldn't  manage  to  get 
there,  and  that  I'd  explain  later.  But  he  never  let 


70  THE  BOOMERANG. 

me  do  anything  more  about  it — (He  sees  card  tn 
table,  slowly  picks  it  up  and  looks  at  it) — And  now 
she's  sent  me  a  birthday  card — (Crosses  R.  to  fire 
place)  Of  course  it  doesn't  mean  anything  to  her 
— but  every  time  I  hear  from  her  it  brings  it  all 
back  again 

VIRGINIA.  (Rises,  crosses  a  step  R.)  Then — 
you  must  try  not  to  think  about  it. 

BUDD.  Not  think  about  it! — Hm — You  don't 
know  what  love  is !  (Sits  in  arm-chair) 

VIRGINIA.  (Trying  to  pacify  him)  Oh,  yes,  I 
do. 

(BUDD  pauses — looks  at  her.) 

BUDD.    Oh !— then— then— it's  true ? 

VIRGINIA.    What? 

BUDD.    That  you're  in  love  with  Dr.  Sumner? — 

VIRGINIA.     (Aghast)     Oh! 

BUDD.  (Rising)  I  didn't  mean  to  say  that — I'm 
sorry — I  know  how  it  makes  you  feel  to  have  any 
body  speak  about  it — But — it's  only  me — and  I'd 
never  tell  anybody — any  more  than  you  would — 
you  don't  mind  my  knowing,  do  you? 

VIRGINIA.     But — but — what  made  you  think — ? 

BUDD.  Isn't  it  so?  (VIRGINIA  looks  at  him  about 
to  deny  it — can't  bear  to  lie  to  him — drops  her  eyes 
' — sits  R.  of  table.  BUDD  speaks  with  great  sincerity) 
— I'm  awfully  sorry 

VIRGINIA.  (Looking  at  him — with  surprise) 
Sorry? 

BUDD.    Oh — you  mean — he  cares  for  you? 

VIRGINIA.  He  doesn't  know  anything  about  it 
— and  he  never  will — if  he  ever  found  out,  I'd  die 
—I'd  just  die ! 

BUDD.    He's  bound  to  find  out 

VIRGINIA.    Oh — no 

BUDD.  Yes  he  will — you  make  up  your  mind 
you'll  never  let  him  know — then — then,  you  cas»'f 
Kelp  yourself — I've  been  all  through  it — and  I  know 
—(Crosses  down  a  bit  then  back  to  her)  There's 


THE  BOOMERANG.  71 

only  one  thing  to  do — only  one — and  you  ought  to 
do  it — go  away — (VIRGINIA  gives  him  a  look) 
That's  what  I'm  going  to  do 

VIRGINIA.    Oh,  no. 

BUDD.  Yes — I've  made  up  my  mind.  The 
Doctor's  month  is  up  Sunday  and  I'm  going  Mon 
day  morning. 

VIRGINIA.  Could  you  go  away  from  the  one  you 
love? 

BUDD.    Why  there's  no  hope  of  my  getting  her. 

VIRGINIA.  There  are  lots  of  things  in  the  world 
we  love  but  can't  have — That's  no  reason  why  we 
should  run  away  from  them 

BUDD.  (Looking  at  her)  Is  that  the  way  you 
feel — about  Dr.  Sumner? 

VIRGINIA.     (After  pause,  nods  head)    Um-hum. 

BUDD.  How  can  you?  (Goes  to  arm-chair  and 
sits) 

VIRGINIA.  Why,  to  be  near  him — hear  his  voice 
— just  to  know  he's  under  the  same  roof  gives  me 
a  feeling  of — peace  and  contentment — like — like 
birds — singing — (Puts  hand  to  her  breast) — 
Can't  you  understand  that? 

BUDD.  Birds? — (Putting  hand  to  heart)  In 
here?  (Shaking  his  head)  Bugs!  It  makes  me 
feel  like — like — (Pauses — looks  at  her — rises — 
goes  to  her)  Have  you  ever  heard  of  people  dying 
of  thirst?  How  they  beg  for  water  and  go  mad 
thinking  about  it?  How  they  imagine  they  see  it, 
just  beyond  their  reach?  And  stretch  out  their 
arms  towards  it — and  then  find  there  isn't  any 
there?  Now,  suppose  you  were  dying  of  thirst, 
what  would  you  think,  if  someone  came  to  you  with 
real  water — fresh,  pure  water,  and  said :  "  Now 
you  mustn't  drink  this,  but  just  to  have  it  near  you 
ought  to  give  you  a  feeling — like  birds  singing! 
(Crosses  to  fireplace) 

VIRGINIA.  But — but  I'm  not  thirsty — (Rises 
and  stands  at  R.  corner  of  table) 


72                    THE  BO'OMERANG. 
BUDD.     (Turning)     I  am 

(Enter  GERALD  up  L.    He  wears  evening  clothes. 
HARTLEY  closes  door  after  him.) 

GERALD.  Hello — this  looks  cosy — (Nods  to 
VIRGINIA — comes  down  R.  of  arm-chair)  How  are 
you  to-night,  young  fellow? 

BUDD.  (Holding  out  birthday  card)  I  just  got 
this — (Handing  it  to  GERALD) 

GERALD.  (Taking  it  and  looking  at  it)  M'm 
— (Glances  at  VIRGINIA)  Pretty — isn't  it?  (Sees 
letters  in  BUDD'S  hand)  Those  came  with  it? 

BUDD.  No — they're  her  letters — (Starts  to  put 
them  back  in  pocket) 

GERALD.  (Taking  them  from  him)  I  didn't 
know  you  were  keeping  them — (He  turns  to  fire 
place — tears  them  up — throws  letters  and  card  into 
fire) 

VIRGINIA.    Oh ! 

(BuDD  sinks  into  arm-chair,  watches  letters  burn — • 
GERALD,  noticing  him,  steps  between  him  and 
fire.  BUDD  slowly  looks  up  into  his  face.) 

BUDD.  (Speaks  timidly)  What  shall  I  do  about 
the  card? 

GERALD.  Nothing — (A  pause — he  looks  at  his 
watch)  Just  you  get  into  your  evening  clothes — 
quick 

BUDD.     Evening  clothes? — (Rises) 

GERALD.  Yes — you  and  I  are  going  to  have  a 
great  time  to-night — How  long  will  it  take  you  to 
dress  ? 

BUDD.  Ten  minutes.  (Starts  up  c.  near  his 
door) 

GERALD.    Make  it  nine  and  a  half. 

(Clock  now  9 14$.) 


THE  BOOMERANG.  73 

BUDD.     (At  door)    Are  we  going  out? 

GERALD.  I'll  explain  everything  later.  (BuDD 
exits  up  c.  opening  door  just  wide  enough  to  let 
himself  through.  GERALD  stands  a  moment  look 
ing  at  him,  thinking,  then  turns  to  VIRGINIA)  Has 
he  been  that  way — long?  (Comes  to  R.  of  VIR 
GINIA) 

VIRGINIA.    Only  since  he  got  that  birthday  card. 

GERALD.  Too  bad !  I  wanted  to  have  him  in 
good  shape  to-night — 

(HARTLEY  enters  up  L.  with  tray,  containing  sand 
wiches,  knife,  fork — small  decanter  of  claret 
and  wine  glass.) 

VIRGINIA.  Mrs.  Woodbridge  was  afraid  the 
party  would  be  too  much  for  him. 

GERALD.  That's  all  right!  I've  just  had  a  talk 
with  her — and  convinced  her  it's  a  fine  idea! 
(Turns  up  R.) 

HARTLEY.  Beg  pardon — but — (Sets  tray  on 
table — VIRGINIA  scans  tray.  To  VIRGINIA)  Mrs. 
Woodbridge  thought  you'd  like  it  in  here,  Miss 

VIRGINIA.  Thank  you,  Hartley — You've  for 
gotten  the  English  mustard 

HARTLEY.     Oh — beg  pardon — (Exits  up  L.) 

GERALD.    Haven't  you  had  your  dinner? 

VIRGINIA.  (Places  chair  R.  of  iable  for  DOCTOR) 
Yes  I  have,  but  you  haven't.  Sit  down. 

GERALD.    How  in  the  wcdd  did  you  know  that? 

VIRGINIA.    Your  sister  told  me 

GERALD.  (Goes  up  to  window — opens  it — looks 
out  for  guests)  But  I  haven't  time  now.  I've  got 
to  be  on  the  look-out  for  the  guests. 

VIRGINIA.  Why — they  won't  be  here  for  fifteen 
minutes  yet.  You  have  plenty  of  time — sit  down. 

GERALD.  Well — this  is  thoughtful  of  you!  I'd 
forgotten  all  about  it!  (Sits  and  takes  napkin) 


74  THE  BOQMEKANG. 

VIRGINIA.     (Pours  wine)     But  you  shouldn't 

forget  all  about  it. 

GERALD.  I  had  to  get  through  with  my  calls 
early  to-night  anyhow  so  I  could  be  here — (Cuts 
food  and  takes  bite) 

VIRGINIA.  Where's  the  list? — (GERALD  take* 
slip  of  paper  from  pocket,  hands  it  to  her)  And 
you've  been  to  all  these  places?  (Sits  L.  of  table 
and  takes  up  her  small  blank  book) 

GERALD.  (With  mouthful)  M'm — m'm — ail 
of  them 

VIRGINIA.  (Looking  over  list)  How  was  the 
little  Smith  girl?  (Begins  checking  off  list) 

GERALD.    Took  the  cast  off  to-night 

VIRGINIA.  Splendid! — What  about  this  con 
sultation  with  Dr.  Griggs? 

GERALD.  Oh,  that's  not  until  ten-thirty — at  the 
hospital.  (HARTLEY  enters  with  pot  of  mustard 
from  up  L.)  We'll  be  through  here,  by  then. 

VIRGINIA.    Did  you  think  to  order  the  car? 

GERALD.  (Looking  at  her  and  smiling)  No — I 
didn't — (VIRGINIA  smiles  at  him  as  if  it  pleased 
her)  By  Jove,  I  was  hungry !  (Drinks) 

(HARTLEY  places  mustard  on  table.) 

VIRGINIA.  Oh,  Hartley,  will  you  please  call  up 
Dr.  Sumner's  garage  and  tell  them  to  have  his  car 
here  at  quarter  past  ten 

HARTLEY.  (Repeating)  Quarter  past  ten — 
Very  good,  Miss — (Exits  up  L.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Referring  to  list)  John  Hull— he's 
a  new  one ? 

GERALD.  Don't  charge  that — he  paid  me — cash! 
(Takes  bank  note  out  of  pocket  and  hands  it  to 
her) 

VIRGINIA.  (Taking  money  and  opening  another 
book)  Oh — good !  We  must  try  to  hold  on  to  him 
— (Makes  entry  in  book  and  puts  bank  note  in  it) 


THE  BOOMERANG.  75 

GERALD.  (Chuckling  and  eating)  Now  let's 
talk  about  your  patient. 

VIRGINIA.    I've  just  been  talking  with  him. 

GERALD.    Well? 

VIRGINIA.  (With  mock  seriousness)  Bad 
news!  Poor  fellow! — He's  as  much  in  love  as 
ever! 

GERALD.  (Eating)  That's  no  news  at  all!  I 
decided,  a  week  ago,  we'd  never  get  him  over  that 

VIRGINIA.  Then,  I  suppose  it's  no  news — that 
he's  going  to  leave  us  ? 

GERALD.     (Looking  at  VIRGINIA)     What? 

VIRGINIA.    So  he  said — as  soon  as  the  month  is 

GERALD.  Don't  let  that  worry  you.  I  think  he'll 
change  his  mind — after  he's  seen  Miss  Tyler. 

VIRGINIA.  (Quickly)  Oh!  Is  Miss  Tyler 
coming  to  his  party  to-night  ? 

GERALD.    Yep. 

VIRGINIA.  ^  You  told  me  she  refused  to  fcome— * 
when  your  sister  asked  her. 

GERALD.  That's  right — (Looks  at  VIRGINIA) 
First  she  said  she  couldn't — but  then  she  said  she 
would — telephoned  Marion  this  afternoon. 

VIRGINIA.  Don't  you  think  seeing,  her  again  is 
going  to  set  him  back? 

"'  GERALD.  I  think  it's  going  to  set  him  back  for 
life.  That's  what  I'm  counting  on,  anyway — if  he 
can't  be  happy  without  her,  the  next  best  thing  is 
to  see  if  he  can  be  happy  with  her.  (Eats) 

VIRGINIA.  But  I  thought  she  was  in  love  with 
Mr.  De  Witt 

GERALD.    I  don't  believe  it. 

VIRGINIA.  (Incredulously)  You  surely  dont 
believe  she  cares  for  Mr.  Woodbridge? 

GERALD.  I  don't  believe  she  thinks  she  does  now 
—but  I  believe  she  used  to,  and  if  she  did,  she  can 
be  made  to  again 

VIRGINIA.    Made  to? 


76  THE  BOOMERANG. 

GERALD.    Yes.    Made  to. 

VIRGINIA.  If  she's  that  kind  of  a  girl,  I  think 
he's  better  off  without  her.  (Puts  paper  in  book) 

GERALD.  She's  not  that  kind  of  a  girl.  She's  an 
awfully  nice  girl.  (VIRGINIA  looks  at  him)  Oh— - 
yes,  she  is! 

VIRGINIA.  (Puts  book  down)  Then  how  could 
she  have  treated  him  so? 

GERALD.  Don't  blame  her — it  really  wasn't  her 
fault. 

VIRGINIA.     It  certainly  wasn't  his! 

GERALD.    Yep.    The  fault  was  Budd's.    (Drinks) 

VIRGINIA.  Oh — you  can't  mean  that!  Why  his 
devotion  to  that  girl  is  perfectly  beautiful. 

GERALD.  Yes.  And  see  where  it's  landed  him. 
So,  you've  got  those  high-falutin  notions,  too. 
They're  attractive  and  romantic,  I  know.  The 
trouble  is  that,  some  day,  you  may  be  unlucky 
enough  to  fall  in  love  yourself — (VIRGINIA 
laughs)  You  don't  think  that's  possible,  I  suppose. 

VIRGINIA.    It  might  be. 

GERALD.  Then  you  ought  to  know  the  truth, 
(Eats) 

VIRGINIA.    I'd  like  to. 

GERALD.    \Vell,  the  truth  is  it's  a  game. 

VIRGINIA.    A  game? 

GERALD.  Yes — that's  what  love  is — a  game! 
Not  the  beautiful,  heaven-sent  blessing  we're  told 
it  is — but  a  mean,  selfish,  rotten  game!  (VIRGINIA 
bursts  out  laughing)  You  don't  believe  it? 

VIRGINIA.  Believe  it!  Humph!  It's  too  ridic 
ulous  ! 

GERALD.  It  may  be  ridiculous,  but  it's  a  fact — 
And  as  soon  as  you  fall  in  love,  the  game  begins  and 
you've  got  to  play  it — whether  you  want  to  or  not. 
Only  most  people  play  it  without  knowing  it — like 
BtMd — and  get  the  worst  of  it  Now,  why  not  play 
it  with  your  eyes  open?  (Eats) 


THE  BOOMERANG.  77 

VIRGINIA.  I  don't  think  I'd  care  to  play  it  at 
all. 

GERALD.  (Leaning  toward  her)  If  you  were  in 
love,  wouldn't  you  like  to  know  how  to  bring  your 
victim  to  your  feet? — How  to  make  him  adore  you 
— believe  you're  the  most  charming  and  wonder 
ful  woman  in  the  world? — Make  him  hope  for 
nothing,  think  of  nothing,  dream  of  nothing,  but 
you? 

VIRGINIA.  Could  you  tell  me  how  I  could  do 
that? 

GERALD.  (Takes  a  drink — looks  front)  I'll 
guarantee  it — You've  only  to  avoid  all  the  blunders 
Budd  made. 

VIRGINIA.    What  were  they? 

GERALD.  Well — in  the  first  place — he  showed 
her  that  he  loved  her  honorably,  devotedly  and  ex 
clusively — exclusively!  That's  enough  to  queer 
anvone. 

VIRGINIA.  (After  laughing  heartily)  You  mean 
he  shouldn't  have  told  her? 

GERALD.  On  the  contrary !  He  should  have  told 
her,  whenever  he  got  the  chance!  Instead,  he 
probably  didn't  tell  her  at  all,  but  let  her  see  it,  by 
everything  he  did.  That's  the  first  rule  of  the 
game.  If  you  fall  in  love,  say  so  as  often  as  you 
like,  but  never  let  the  loved  one  be  quite  sure  you 
mean  it — Budd's  next  blunder  was  being  too  good 
to  her — (VIRGINIA  laughs)  Yes — he  paid  her  too 
much  attention,  hung  about  her  incessantly,  until  his 
visits  became  about  as  exciting  as  the  milkman's. 
Another  rule:  swear  you're  the  original,  devoted 
slave,  but  don't  always  be  on  hand.  Under  those 
circumstances,  it  was  only  natural  for  her  to  take 
notice  of  somebody  else.  Then  along  came  jealousy. 
It's  next  to  impossible  to  keep  jealousy  out  of  a  love 
affair.  But  there's  hardly  a  case  where  both  people 
get  it.  One  is  jealous  and  the  other  isn't  Rule 
number  three :  be  sure  to  get  your  opponent  a  little 


78  THE  BOOMERANG. 

jealous — or  you'll  get  it  yourself.  And  in  Budd|s 
case,  after  jealousy,  came  desperation,  then  despair 
—then  Doctor 

VIRGINIA.  Well,  I  can't  say  I  think  it's  a  very 
nice  game ! 

GERALD.  I  told  you  that.  But  it's  justified.  Be 
cause  if  you  fall  in  love  with  a  man — and  you  let 
him  see  your  devotion  is  so  great  you  can't  think 
of  anything  else — curiously  enough,  he'll  begin  to 
care  less  and  less  about  you. 

VIRGINIA.    Will  he? 

GERALD.  Every  time.  Well,  if  ever  I  fall  in 
love,  you  can  bet  I'm  going  to  play  it ! 

VIRGINIA.    You  are? 

GERALD.    To  the  limit ! 

VIRGINIA.  (Takes  up  decanter  about  to  pour) 
Have  some  more  wine. 

GERALD.  No  thank  you.  I've  finished.  (He 
rises  and  goes  R.  c.  VIRGINIA  goes  up — rings  bell 
and  comes  back  to  him)  Why  there  are  thousands 
of  poor  creatures  all  over  the  world  whose  lives  have 
been  ruined,  just  because  they  loved  too  much  and 
didn't  know  it  was  all  a  game !  And  that's  what  may 
happen  to  Budd,  unless  we  prevent  it. 

VIRGINIA.    And  you  think  you  can  prevent  it? 

GERALD.  If  my  theories  are  any  good,  I  can.  You 
see,  when  Miss  Tyler  found  out  a  month  ago  that 
Budd  was  keeping  away,  it  puzzled  her.  Those  let 
ters  she  wrote  prove  that.  And  the  answers  I  made 
him  send  puzzled  her  all  the  more.  Her  deciding 
to^come  here  to-night,  proves  that.  I  only  got  up 
this  party  because  I  felt  sure  she'd  come.  And 
now,  as  usual,  I'm  depending  on  you  to  help  me. 
Will  you? 

VIRGINIA.  Of  course!  What  do  you  want  me 
to  do? 

GERALD.  I  want  you  to  be  in  love — I  mean,  pre 
tend  to  be  in  love. 


THE  BOOMERANG.  79 

VIRGINIA.  Oh— you  want  Miss  Tyler  to  think 
I  am  in  love  with  Mr.  Woodbridge? 

GERALD.  You've  hit  it  the  first  time!  I  want 
her  to  think  you  and  Budd  are  crazy  about  each 
other ! 

VIRGINIA.  (Laughing)  You'll  never  get  Mr. 
Woodbridge  to  consent  to  that ! 

GERALD.  I'm  not  going  to  try.  All  I  want  is  to 
have  Miss  Tyler  see  Budd  laughing  and  jolly — 
and  have  you  make  her  believe  Budd  belongs  to 
you.  Do  you  think  you  can? 

VIRGINIA.     (Laughing)     Do  you  think  he  can? 

GERALD.  Oh — I'll  brace  him  up — give  him  a 
slap  on  the  back  and  a  good  stiff  drink ! 

(Enter  HARTLEY  up  L.) 

VIRGINIA.  You  may  take  the  tray,  Hartley. 
(She  crosses  R.) 

(HARTLEY  takes  tray.) 

GERALD.  Oh,  Hartley — could  you  bring  some 
brandy  and  soda  ? 

(Clock  strikes  10.) 

HARTLEY.    Very  good,  sir. 

GERALD.  Thank  you.  (Crosses  to  VIRGINIA. 
HARTLEY  exits  up  L.)  Let's  see.  Of  course  you're 
to  be  one  of  the  guests.  Have  you  got  something 
you  can  wear?  (Start  murmur  of  voices  off  R.) 
I  want  you  to  look  as  pretty  as  you  can ! 

VIRGINIA.    I'll  do  my  best ! 

(MARION  raps  on  window  up  R.) 

GERALD.  By  Jove,  there  they  are!  (Voices 
louder — but  low)  Keep  watch  and  see  that  Budd 
doesn't  come  in  here,  for  a  moment.  (VIRGINIA 


8o  THE  BOOMERANG. 

exits  up  c.  GERALD  opens  window.  Guests  entei \ 
wearing  wraps,  etc.  MARKDN  first)  Hello — Come 
along,  everybody. 

MARION.    Where  is  he? 

GERALD.  He's  all  right! — Show  them  where  to 
leave  their  wraps,  Marion. 

MARION.  In  here — this  way.  (She  crosses  to 
up  L.  c.  the  other  guests  following,  giggling  and 
whispering) 

GERALD.  (Going  to  window — speaking  off) 
Come  in,  Miss  Tyler 

GRACE.     (Entering  by  window)     Is  Budd  here? 

GERALD.  He  will  be  presently.  They're  all  in 
there — (Pointing  up  L.  c.) 

GRACE.  (Laughing)  I'm  so  excited!  (Runs 
off  up  L.  MARION  who  has  followed  her,  closes 
door  behind  her.  VIRGINIA  enters  quickly  up  c.) 

VIRGINIA.  He's  coming  down  the  stairs! 
(Crosses  down  to  tab! 

GERALD.    Let  him  come!     (Closing  window) 

VIRGINIA.    Will  I  have  time  to  change  my  gown  ? 

GERALD.  Take  all  the  time  you  need — I  don't 
want  them  to  see  you  till  the  dancing's  going  on. 
Come  in  here — and  I'll  send  Budd  for  you. 
(VIRGINIA  opens  door  up  c.  Enter  BUDD,  up  c. 
VIRGINIA  exits  quickly  c.  closing  door.  BUDD  is 
now  in  full  evening  dress,  with  silk  hat,  white 
gloves,  overcoat,  muffler  and  stick.  Crosses  to  L. 
of  table  c.  GERALD  turns  and  sees  him.  Enter 
HARTLEY  up  L.  directly  after  BUDD,  with  decanter 
of  brandy,  siphon  and  tall  glasses,  on  tray  which  he 
sets  on  table  c.  GERALD,  pouring  out  brandy  and 
soda)  Hartley,  take  Mr.  Budd's  coat  and  hat. 
(BuoD  looks  at  GERALD,  then  allows  HARTLEY  to 
help  him  off  with  coat:  gives  him  hat,  stick  and 
muffler.  GERALD  looks  BUDD  over  critically) 
And,  oh,  Hartley,  bring  his  dressing  gown  in  here, 
will  you? 


THE  BOOMERANG.  8l 

(HARTLEY   turns  and  glances  at   GERALD.     BUDD 
gives  GERALD  a  look  of  astonishment.) 

HARTLEY.    Very  good,  sir — (Exits  up  c.) 

GERALD.  (Behind  table)  Sit  down — (Buno 
sits  L.  of  table)  We're  going  to  celebrate  to-night! 
(Holds  out  drink  to  him)  Here! 

BUDD.     But  won't  that  interfere  with 

GERALD.  (Stands  above  table)  It  won't  inter 
fere  with  anything  now !  (Pours  drink  for  him 
self)  We're  all  through  with  your  treatment! 

BUDD.    You  mean — I'm  cured? 

GERALD.  (Heartily)  That's  the  idea,  exactly! 
(BuDD  gives  him  a  look — places  glass  back  on  table f 
zvithoitt  drinking — looks  front)  Now  you  can  have 
all  the  fun  you  want — see  all  your  friends  again 

BUDD.  (Looks  at  him — shows  excitement) 
Then  the  first  chance  I  get,  I'm  going  to  tell  Grace 
Tyler  the  truth  about  those  letters. 

(GERALD  gives  a  start  of  alarm.) 

GERALD.    In  Heaven's  name,  what  for? 

BUDD.     Because   I   don't   want   to   lie   to  her. 

(GERALD  looks  at  him — picks  up  glass  and  drinks 
— crosses  to  R.  a  little,  then  back  to  table — 
thinking — suddenly  makes  up  his  mind — turns 
to  BUDD.) 

GERALD.  I  thought  you'd  given  up  hope  that 
Miss  Tyler  would  ever  care  for  you  again? 

BUDD.  I  have.  That's  all  over.  But  her  opinion 
of  me  matters  just  the  same — and  always  will. 

GERALD.  Then  you  didn't  mean  what  you  said 
about  wishing  her  joy  and  not  wanting  to  stand 
in  her  way ? 

BUDD.    Yes,  I  did  mean  it — every  word  of  it! 


82  THE  BOOMERANG. 

GERALD.  Not  if  you  tell  her  about  those  letters-^ 
you  didn't! 

BUDD.    Why? 

GERALD.  Why  ?  Do  you  know  the  reason  I  got 
you  to  send  them? 

BUDD.  I  thought  it  was  to  offend  her — so  she 
wouldn't  write  me  any  more. 

GERALD.  Offend  her !  Why,  it  was  for  her  sake 
entirely.  (Buoo  looks  at  him)  Don't  you  see  that 
if  you  let  her  know  you're  going  on,  suffering  and 
hopeless,  loving  her  always,  she  cai  '*•  h~lp  being 
unhappy  and  miserable — it's  bound  to  make  her 
feel  that  she  is  the  cause  of  wrecking  your  life! 

BUDD.    You  think  that  she ? 

GERALD.  Why,  of  course!  She's  still  worrying 
about  you — her  birthday  card  shows  that !  Now  if 
you  really  mean  what  you  say  and  want  to  make 
her  happy,  there's  just  one  thing  to  do — the  big, 
generous  thing — the  noble  thing — the  heroic  thing ! 

BUDD.    What  is  that? 

GERALD.    Sacrifice  your  own  feelings  for  her ! 

BUDD.   How? 

GERALD.  Show  her  that  she  hasn't  wrecked 
your  life.  Let  her  believe  your  jealousy  is  all  gone 
— that  your  mourn  fulness  is  gone — and  that  your 
love  is  gone — That's  the  thing  to  do! 

BUDD.    Is  it? 

GERALD.  Certainly!  (Getting  above  table) 
Make  her  happy  by  showing  her  you  are  happy ! 

BUDD.     I — think — I  see,  now — what  you  mean 

GERALD.  That's  the  boy — (Crosses  L.  of  BUDD) 
I  thought  you  would — Now  I'll  tell  you  something: 
the  reason  I  asked  you  to  dress  up,  is  because 
you're  going  to  have  a  little  party  to-night — a  birth 
day  surprise-*- ( BUDD  looks  at  him)  Some  of  your 
guests  are  in  the  next  room,  now 

BUDD.    Who? 

GERALD.    Grace  Tyler,  for  one • 


THE  BOOMERANG.  83 

BUDD.    Grace?    Here? 

(GERALD  nods.  BUDD  stares  at  him—starts  to  rise 
— stops,  looks  front,  with  expression  of  alarm, 
eye  catches  glass  of  brandy,  picks  it  up  and 
drinks.) 

GERALD.  (Taps  him  on  shoulder)  Now,  there's 
nothing  to  be  frightened  about — here's  your  chance 
to  show  her  you're  happy — chat,  laugh,  and  be 

merry 

BUDD.    I  don't  know  how — (Rises — crosses  R.) 

GERALD.    (Up  c.)    Make  a  bluff — wear  a  smile — 

look  as  if  you  were  enjoying  everything — have  a 

good  time  if  it  kills  you.    Will  you  do  that  for  her  ? 

(Re-enter  HARTLEY,  up  c.,  with  dressing  gown.) 

BUDD.    I'll  try » 

GERALD.  Good.  Here,  put  this  on,  quick.  (Tak 
ing  gown  quickly  from  HARTLEY.  BUDD  nervously 
removes  coat.  HARTLEY  takes  it.  GERALD  helps 
BUDD  on  with  dressing  gown)  Take  that  coat,  and 
throw  it  on  that  sofa — and  push  the  sofa  back 
against  the  wall.  (HARTLEY  takes  coat,  puts  it  on 
sofa  L.  pushes  sofa  well  back — goes  to  door  up  c. 
— stands  there  with  door  opened  until  dismissed  by 
GERALD) 

BUDD.    What's  that  for? 

GERALD.  You've  got  to  be  surprised.  Now  sit 
here — have  a  cigarette!  (GERALD  throws  case  on 
table.  BUDD  sits  above  table)  You  must  be  work 
ing  at  something — what  can  it  be  ?  (Sees  magazines 
in  room  up  c.)  Ah! — (Goes  into  room,  picks  up 
magazines,  three  in  number — together  with  writing 
pad  and  ink  and  blotter,  places  them  on  table  c.  front 
of  BUDD.  As  he  re-enters}  That  will  do,  Hartley. 
(HARTLEY  exits,  closing  door  which  he  has  held 
opened)  You  can  be  answering  ads.  in  a  magazine 


S4  THE  BOOMERANG. 

—Oh— Here  we  are!  Just  the  thing!  The  Archi 
tectural  Record!  (Pulls  out  plan,  spreading  it  bt- 
fore  BUDD — throws  all  the  magazines  on  settee) 
You're  thinking  of  building  a  house — and  you're 
studying  these  plans — Be  so  busy  with  them  that 
you  don't  see  us  when  we  come  in.  Understand  ? 

BUDD.    Got  a  match? 

GERALD.  (L.  of  BUDD — giving  him  match  box) 
When  we  yell  at  you,  jump  up  and  be  surprised — 
laugh  and  shake  hands  with  us — be  cordial  to 
Grace — tell  her  how  glad  you  are  to  see  her — but 
don't  shake  hands  with  her  first,  or  last.  Now, 
I'll  go  out  and  join  them.  (Starts  for  door  up  L.  c.) 
Oh — Miss  Xelva  will  be  one  of  the  guests — she 
doesn't  know  the  others — so  make  it  a  point  to  be 
nice  to  her — very  nice  to  her,  won't  you? 

BUDD.    Yes,  of  course! 

GERALD.  (At  door  up  L.  c.)  All  right — now — 
remember — mournfulness  gone — jealousy  gone — 
love  gone!  (Exits  up  L.  c.  quickly  closing  door 
after  him) 

(BuDD  puffs  cigarette  nervously — feels  for  hand 
kerchief  in  pocket  of  dressing  gown— says 
"mournfulness  gone,  jealousy  gone — love  gone 
--handkerchief  gone  " — picks  up  blotter,  presses 
it  to  forehead,  turns  towards  door — GERALD 
enters — cautions  him — BUDD  puts  down  blotter 
— faces  front — studies  plans — puffs  cigarette — 
as  guests  enter  on  tip  toe — GRACE,  MARION, 
GERTRUDE,  extra  men,  and  extra  girls  followed 
by  MRS.  WOODBRIDGE  who  stands  in  door-way. 
GERALD,  with  finger  to  lips,  cautions  them  not 
to  make  a  sound.  BUDD,  frightened  pretends 
not  to  be  aware  of  their  presence.  Guests  form 
semi-circle  behind  BUDD — At  a  signal  from 
GERALD,  all  scream  at  once.  GRACE  down  L.) 

AUL.     Happy  Birthday!     (This  is  followed  by 


THE  BOOMERANG.  85 

laughter  and  hand  clapping,  as  BUDD  rises,  with  as 
sumed  surprise.  He  looks  bewildered  a:\d  all  be 
come  quiet) 

BUDD.  (Looking  about  as  if  dosed)  Well — 
well — well — this  is  great — I  don't  know — what — 
(His  eyes  rest  on  GRACE.  He  stops  and  stands 
staring  at  her.  After  a  moment's  pause,  GERALD 
comes  to  him,  swings  him  toward  R.  shaking  hand) 

GERAL&.     Congratulations — old  chap! 

GERTRUDE.  (Shaking  BUDD'S  hand)  Many  of 
'em! 

3RD  YOUNG  MAN.    And  mine! 

2ND  YOUNG  MAN.    And  mine! 

(GERALD  swings  BUDP  around,  facing  GRACE.) 
BUDD.      (Going    to     GRACE)      Hello,    Grace — 
(Holds  out  hand)     Awfully  nice  of  you  to  come. 

(Enter  PRESTON  throught  window  R.    He  crosses 
down  R.  c.) 

GRACE.     (Shaking  hands)     Many  happy  returns 

BUDD.    Thank  you — (Turns  to  MARION) 
MARION.     (Shaking  hands)     Same  here! 
IST  YOUNG  MAN.    Happy  New  Year! 
GERALD.    (Who  is  up  L.  of  table,  sees  DE  WITT) 
De  Witt  !— 

(ALL  become  quiet  and  look  at  him — BUDD  faces 
him — an  awkward  pause.  Suddenly  BUDD 
laughs  loud  and  nervously  and  holds  out  his 
hand  to  PRESTON.) 

PRESTON.    Happy  Birthday! 

MRS.  WOODBRIDGE.  And  your  Mother?  (Kiss&s 
him  joyously  as  dance  music  starts  up  with  sudden 
bang  off  L.) 

GERALD.      Come  along     everybody !      Take  your 


86  THE  BOOMERANG. 

partners!  (Offers  arm  to  MRS.  WOODBRIDGB. 
Couples  follow,  chattering  and  laughing.  PRESTON 
and  MARION  go  off  last,  PRESTON  glancing  back  at 
GRACE.  GRACE  remains  with  BUDD  who  has  to 
change  coat,  HARTLEY  enters,  as  music  begins — 
helps  BUDD  change  coat — then  takes  tray  and  exits 
up  L.  BUDD  offers  arm  to  GRACE) 

BUDD.  Now — (He  laughs  loud  and  nervously, 
as  they  exit  down  L.) 

(GERALD  re-enter s  immediately  down  L.  looks 
about  to  see  if  VIRGINIA  has  appeared,  then 
goes  to  door  down  L.  and  stands  looking  off, 
watching  dancing.  Door  up  c.  opens,  VIRGINIA 
enters  and  comes  down  R.  c.  She  wears  even 
ing  gown,  the  contrast  with  her  previous  ap 
pearance  being  as  striking  as  possible.  She 
assumes  aristocratic  attitude.  GERALD,  who 
has  been  looking  off  L.  chuckles  then  laughs 
heartily,  but  quietly.) 

VIRGINIA.    Dr.  Sumner — I  believe 

(GERALD  turns,  looks  at  her  tvith  astonishment, 
stands  dazed  gazing  at  her,  as  she  smiles  at 
him.) 

GERALD.  (After  a  pause)  By  Jove — I  wouldn't 
have  known  you 

VIRGINIA.    What  were  you  laughing  at? 

GERALD.  (Still  looking  her  over)  Laughing — ? 
Oh,  oh  yes — look — (Indicating  off  L.  She  crosses 
him  to  L.)  They're  dancing  together.  (Both  look 
off  through  door  L.  DR.  behind  VIRGINIA) 

VIRGINIA.     (Looking  off)     Is  that  Miss  Tyler? 

GERALD.  (Looking  off)  Yes — that's — your 
rival — watch  Budd !  See  him  laugh !  Nothing  love 
sick  about  that !  Gad,  he's  a  little  wonder !  If  he 
can  keep  this  up,  it's  a  cinch  1 


THE  BOOMERANG.  87 

VIRGINIA.  (Turning  to  him)  Did  you  tell  him 
to  dance  with  her? 

GERALD.  (Looking  at  her)  Why  —  you're  — 
what  did  you  say  ? 

VIRGINIA.     Did  you  make  him  dance  with  her? 

GERALD.  No,  I  didn't  have  to — (She  turns  and 
looks  off  again) 

VIRGINIA.    She's  trying  to  talk  to  him 

GERALD.  (With  satisfaction)  Next,  she'll  get 
him  off  into  a  dark  corner.  See  if  she  doesn't. 
We've  got  you  guessing,  young  lady!  Now,  what 
do  you  think  of  the  love  game? — And  when  I 
spring  you  on  her!  Oh,  there's  nothing  to  it. 
(Crosses  R.  around  table  and  up  L.  c.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Suddenly)  Look!  They've 
stopped!  (GERALD  looks)  she's  limping — she's 
sprained  her  ankle ! 

GERALD.    Ten  to  one,  it's  a  bluff ! 

VIRGINIA.    They're  coming  in  here ! 

GERALD.  What  did  I  tell  you — let's  give  them  a 
good  chance.  Go  in  here  quick.  (Indicating  up  c. 
opening  door.  She  hurries  out  c.  He  presses 
electric  button  by  door,  snapping  out  most  of  the 
lights — then  draws  back  behind  door  up  c.  leaving 
it  slightly  open.  Enter  GRACE  down  L.  limping, 
clinging  to  BUDD'S  arm) 

BUDD.    Does  it  hurt  very  much  ? 

GRACE.  No — it  really  isn't  anything!  It'll  be 
gone  in  just  a  moment.  I  wrenched  it  the  other 
day,  and  the  least  little  thing  brings  it  back 

(GRACE  has  been  aiming  straight  for  the  fireplace 
BUDD  helps  her  to  sit  in  arm-chair.  Music 
stops.) 

BUBD.  (L.  of  her.  Anxiously)  I'll  get  Dr. 
Sumner 

GRACE.  Oh — no — please  don't.  Just  let  me  sit 
here — and  you  go  and  dance — (Rubs  her  ankle. 


£8  THE  BOOMERANG. 

BUDD  hesitates,  thinks — turns  as  if  to  go  L.)  I 
mean — of  course ( BUDD  stops  and  turns  to  GRACE) 
don't  go  unless  you  want  to — (Buoo  hesitates) 
It's  right  here — (Indicates  spot  on  ankle)  I  don't 
think  it's  swollen  any — do  you? 

(A  pause.  BUDD,  frightened,  finally  gets  up 
enough  courage  to  touch  ankle,  then  quickly 
turns  up.) 

BUDD.  I — I — I — don't  know — I'll  turn  up  the 
light! 

GRACE.  Oh,  no — it's  much  nicer  this  way 
(GERALD  appears  from  behind  door — warns  BUDD 
not  to  turn  up  light)  What  were  we  talking  about  ? 

(GERALD  motions  BUDD  to  laugh.    BUDD  does  so.) 

BUDD.  (Sits  on  fireplace  fender,  lower  end) 
Your  ankle. 

GRACE.  I  mean  when  we  were  dancing.  Oh,  I 
remember — you  were  going  to  tell  me  what  was 
keeping  you  so  busy 

BUDD.  (Laughs)  Yes — and  then  you  sprained 
your  ankle ! 

GRACE.  Well,  whatever  you've  been  doing,  it's 
agreed  with  you — I  never  saw  you  looking  so  well ! 

BUDD.  (With  great  sincerity)  That's  what  I 
always  think  about  you.  Every  time  I  see  you,  you 
look  more  beautiful  than  you  ever  did  before 

(GERALD  catches  BUDD'S  eye  and  motions  him  to 
laugh.    BUDD  laughs.) 

GRACE.  Why,  Budd,  you  certainly  have  changed 
— but  you  must  have  a  flower  for  that  pretty 
speech — (Looks  at  him  coquettishly,  picks  out  a 
florver  from  bunch  which  she  wears.  BUDD  faces 
front,  fighting  to  control  his  emotions)  Come  here 
—(He  rises* — she  makes  him  stoop  over  till  his 


THE  BOOMERANG.  89 

face  is  close  to  hers,  then  fastens  flower  in  his  but 
tonhole)  There 

BUDD.  Thank  you — (He  returns  quickly  to 
fender  and  sits) 

GRACE.  Now  this  is  a  splendid  chance  for  you 
to  tell  me  what  you've  been  up  to  this  last  month — 

(GERALD  motions  BUDD  not  to  tell.) 

BUDD.  I'm  sorry — but  I  can't — (Pause.  She 
looks  front,  annoyed,  then  turns  to  him) 

GRACE.     Budd — aren't  we — still — friends? 

BUDD.     (With  a  laugh)     Why — of  course • 

GRACE.  Then  why  can't  you  tell  me  what's 
happened  ?  Why  you've  kept  away  from  me  ?  It's 
worried  me  dreadfully 

BUDD.    Worried  you?    Why? 

GRACE.  For  fear  it  was  on  account  of  something 
I  had  done — you  may  not  believe  it,  but  I've  never 
done  anything  to  hurt  your  feelings — intentionally 
— I  wouldn't  for  the  world.  And  the  thought  of  it 
has  made  me  perfectly  miserable — (She  looks  into 
fire.  Dance  music  starts.  BUDD  hesitates,  think 
ing,  glances  about,  catches  sight  of  GERALD,  who 
nods  as  much  as  to  say  "What  did  I  tell  you?" 
and  signals  him  to  do  his  duty) 

BUDD.  Then  I'll  tell  you  something  that'll  make 
it  all  right — so  you  won't  ever  have  to  worry  about 
me  again — (GERALD  signals  BUDD  to  laugh  and  be 
gay.  BUDD  laughs)  I'm  not  a  bit  the  same,  any 
more — (He  laughs)  Everything  is  just  as  it 
should  be — (He  laughs)  I  mean,  I'm  all  over  it— - 
(He  laughs) — my  ridiculous  jealousy  has  all  gone 
— my  mourn  fulness  has  gone — my — my — love- 
has— has 

(His  tone  changes — his  voice  breaks.  GERALD 
quickly  turns  electric  button — light  full  on  as 
GRACE  jumps  up.  BUDD  jumps  up  crosses 
back  of  GERALD  to  L.  of  table  c.) 


90  THE  BOOMERANG. 

GERALD.  (Feigning  surprise)  Oh — here  you 
are!  (To  BUDD)  All  your  guests  are  wondering 
what's  become  of  you. 

BUDD.     Miss  Tyler  sprained  her  ankle 

GERALD.    Oh !    How  fortunate — for  me ! 

GRACE.     (Smiling)    I'm  sorry.    But  it  isn't  seri 
ous  at  all !    It  only  pained  a  minute. 
(GERALD  signals  VIRGINIA  to  come  in.    She  enters 
up  c.    He  greets  her.) 

GERALD.  (Shaking  hands)  Ah — Good-evening, 
Miss  Xelva 

VIRGINIA.  Good-evening,  Doctor — (To  BUDD, 
putting  her  left  hand  in  his)  I  am  so  sorry  to  be 
late! 

(BUDD  looks  at  her  in  blank  surprise.) 

GERALD.  Miss  Tyler — have  you  met  Miss 
Xelva? 

GRACE.  (Acknowledging  introduction)  How 
do  you  do 

VIRGINIA.  (Crossing  R.  of  table  c.)  Ah — Miss 
Tyler — I  have  heard  much  of  you 

GRACE.    Indeed 

VIRGINIA.  Why  is  it  that  none  of  you  are  danc 
ing? 

GERALD.     I'm  going  to  look  after  Miss  Tyler. 

(VIRGINIA,  crossing  front  of  table,  takes  BUDD'S 
arm,  holds  him  closely — takes  him  off  L.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Talking  glibly  as  they  cross) 
Then  come  along — oh,  I  am  dying  to  dance  with 
you  once  more — and  this  is  the  first  time  I  have — 
(They  are  off  L.) 

GERALD.  (Watches  GRACE  a  moment — she  is 
looking  off  after  BUDD  and  VIRGINIA  in  amazement 
~-then  he  speaks  quickly,  crosses  to  arm-chair.) 


THE  BOOMERANG.  91 

Now  we'll  take  a  look  at  that  ankle.    (Music  stops) 

GRACE.  Oh,  it  isn't  anything  at  all — really— 
(Glances  off  down  L.  after  BUDD) 

GERALD.     (At  fireplace)    Which  one? 

GRACE.  Why — the — er — this  one — (She  sits  in 
arm-chair  R.  c.,  extends  first  one  foot,  then  the 
other — he  kneels  down — R.  of  GRACE,  picks  up  foot, 
puts  it  on  his  knee  and  takes  off  slipper)  I  can't 
even  feel  it  now — (GERALD  feels  of  ankle  care 
fully)  What  a  pretty  girl  Miss  Xelva  is 

GERALD.    Yes — isn't  she? 

GRACE.  Awfully — er — a  friend  of  yours? 
(Looking  toward  ball  room  and  back) 

GERALD.  Oh,  yes — that  is  I  know  her — You've 
seen  her  before,  haven't  you? 

GRACE.    Why — no. 

GERALD.    Really  ? 

GRACE.    Why?    Has  she  been  in  town  long? 

GERALD.    Oh,  a  month  or  so. 

GRACE.    A  month 

GERALD.  Just  about — I  should  say.  (GRACE 
glances  off  L.  again) 

GRACE.    Stopping  with  friends? 

GERALD.  (Looking  at  her — with  a  laugh)  Don't 
you  know  where  she's  stopping? 

GRACE.    No. 

GERALD.  (Turning  away,  examining  foot  again) 
Why,  she's  visiting  here — at  the  Woodbridge's — 
(GRACE  gives  a  little  start  and  looks  off  L.  again) 
Did  that  hurt?  (Looks  at  GRACE) 

GRACE.    Why — just  a  little. 

GERALD.  (Putting  on  slipper)  It  doesr't 
amount  to  anything.  Might  try  a  hot  compress  on 
it  before  you  go  to  bed.  Curious  you  hadn't  heard 
of  Miss  Xelva — (Rising)  I  thought  everybody 
knew  about  that  affair — (Turns  to  mantelpiece  and 
looks  at  picture) 

GRACE.  (Starts,  looks  off  L.  then  toward* 
DOCTOR)  Affair  ? 


92  THE  BOOMERANG. 

GERALD.  Yes — she  and  young  Woodbridge — 
looks  like  a  desperate  case — together  the  whole 
blessed  time — since  she  came — I've  been  expecting 
every  day  to  see  their  engagemnt  announced. 
(Music  begins — louder  than  before)  Do  you  think 
the  ankle  could  stand  a  dance? 

GRACE.  (Rising)  Thank  you — but  I — really 
ought  to  go  home — I — I  have  a  wretched  headache. 

GERALD.  Oh — that's  too  bad — (Looks  at  watch) 
Then,  can't  I  take  you? 

GRACE.  Oh,  no — I  wouldn't  think  of  dragging 
you  away 

GERALD.  I've  got  to  go — appointment  at  the 
hospital 

GRACE.    Oh 

GERALD.  Just  a  moment — I'll  see  if  the  car's 
come — (Exits  up  L.  c.) 

(GRACE,  left  alone,  stares  front,  with  a  half -dazed 
expression,  then  face  turns  slowly  L.  and  she 
looks  toward  ball-room.  Slowly  and  uncon 
sciously  she  moves  c.  below  table — eyes  riveted 
on  BUDD  and  VIRGINIA  off  L.  Looks  front 
again — f ace  <$ alls — expression  forlorn  and  mis 
erable — again  turns  L.  and  slowly  goes  to  ball 
room  door — gazing  off — with  sudden  revulsion 
of  feeling,  turns  away  and  attempts  to  saunter 
belozv  table  c. — as  if  trying  not  to  care — stops  c. 
— turns  front  and  in  spite  of  herself  again 
looks  off  L. — gives  a  little  sob — turns  R. — sobs 
again — crosses  to  arm-chair  R.  buries  head  in 
arm,  sobbing.  BUDD  enters  down  L.' — to  explain 
to  GRACE  about  Miss  XELVA.) 

BUDD.  (with  a  little  laugh)  Grace — I  want  to— 
(Sees  her — stops  short  then  goes  close  to  her,  gas- 
ing  at  her.  GRACE  sobs  hysterically.  BUDD  softly 
and  unsteadily)  Grace — !  Grace — !  (GRACE  lifts 
her  head — pauses — makes  a  great  effort  to  control 


THE  BOOMERANG.  93 

herself — rises  slowly) — Why — what's  the  matter? 
— You've  been — (Suddenly  puts  arm  about  her — • 
tenderly — She  tries  to  push  him  off,  with  an  out 
raged  exclamation.     Her  face  is  close  to  his  and, 
wildly,  he  kisses  her  full  on  the  lips,  a  long  kiss — ) 
GRACE.     (Struggling)     Let  me  go!    Let  me  go! 
(BuDD,  swept  by  fierce  emotion,  kisses  her  cheek f 
repeatedly,  holding  her  tight.) 

(Enter   PRESTON   with   MARION    down   L.     Stops 
short  L.  c.     GERALD  enters  up  L.  c.) 

PRESTON.      (With   amused   amazement)      Good 
God! 

(All  stand  staring.  GRACE  frees  herself,  gives  a 
wild  look  about,  rushes  off  up  L.  c.  BUDD,  half 
dazed  by  the  enormity  of  what  he  has  done, 
sees  PRESTON — sees  GERALD — then  rushes  out 
c.  slamming  door  behind  him.  MARION  takes 
PRESTON'S  arm  and  draws  him  off  into  ball 
room.  GERALD  looks  off  after  GRACE — then 
turns,  looks  off  after  BUDD,  makes  a  move,  as 
if  to  follow  him — then  faces  front — in  great 
amazement — a  moment's  pause — he  suddenly 
bursts  out  laughing.) 

CURTAIN. 


ACT  III. 

SCENE: — Doctor's  office — same  as  ACT  I.  Operat 
ing  chair  moved  L.  close  to  instrument  cabinet. 
Small  package  from  druggists  on  desk,  down 
stage.  Large  book  on  desk. 

TIME: — Morning  (About  9.30.) 


94  THE  BOOMERANG. 

DISCOVERED: — At  rise,  stage  empty.  Door  up  I* 
opens.  GERALD  enters,  stops  abruptly — as  ij 
surprised  at  finding  office  empty — goes  to  desk 
— sees  mail  unopened  and  unopened  package 
from  druggist. 

GERALD.  Humph — (Goes  to  door  up  R.  and 
looks  off,  comes  back  and  presses  button  on  desk. 
EMILE  enters  down  R.)  What  are  you  doing  here, 
Emile? — Where's  Miss  Xelva? 

EMILE.    She  telephone  she  should  be  late. 

GERALD.  (A  little  anxiously)  She's  not  ill,  is 
she?  (Crosses  R.  below  desk) 

EMILE.  She  say  someone  come  to  see  her  but 
«he  be  here  before  office  hours. 

GERALD.    (Starts  L.)    Oh— that's  all  right 

EMILE.  Mr.  Woodbridge  out  there — (Indicating 
down  R.)  All  the  time,  he  walk  up  and  down — and 
up  and  down — up  and  down 

GERALD.  (Going  to  door  down  R.  speaking  off) 
Hello,  young  fellow.  Come  in — (Buoo  enters  down 
R.  crosses  GERALD  to  R.  c.  He  carries  traveling  bag. 
EMILE  exits  down  R.  closing  door.  GERALD,  indicat 
ing  bag)  What's  the  idea? 

BUDD.  Doctor — I  want  you  to  tell  my  Mother 
that  you've  ordered  me  to  take  a  trip. 

GERALD.    What  for? 

BUDD.    For  my  health. 

GERALD.    Where  am  I  sending  you? 

BUDD.    New  York. 

GERALD.  That's  a  great  place  to  go  for  health. 
How  soon  are  you  leaving? 

BUDD.    By  the  next  train 

GERALD.  (Taking  bag  from  him,  placing  it  on 
floor  R.  c.  with  initials  toward  front)  Sit  down — 
Now,  what's  it  all  about? 

BUDD.  (Sitting  L.  of  desk)  You  ought  to  know 
• — you  were  there. 

GCIIALD.     Ok — tHa* — last  night ? 

Btrro.     Yes. 


THE  BOOMERANG.  95' 

GERALD.  What  the  deuce  became  of  you,  after 
wards  ? 

BUDD.     I  went  out. 

GERALD.    Out  where? 

BUDD.    I  don't  know. 

GERALD.    Did  you  see  her  again  ? 

BUDD.    No. 

GERALD.    Good ! 

BUDD.  I  just  walk:d  and  walked — and  at  last— 
I  walked  home.  Then  I  wrote  to  her. 

GERALD.    What  did  you  write? 

BUDD.    Everything ! 

GERALD.  Great  Scott !  Did  you  tell  her  you  love 
her  still? 

BUDD.    Yes. 

GERALD.    That  you'd  never  love  anybody  else? 

BUDD.    Yes. 

GERALD.  (With  sudden  thought)  You  didn't 
tell  her  about  me,  did  you  ? 

BUDD.  Yes,  that  too — (With  a  gesture  of  disgust 
GERALD  swings  up  R.  c.)  And  that  you'd  kept  me 
away  from  her — and  made  me  write  those  letters— 
and  all  the  rest ! — but  it  hadn't  done  any  good.  I'm 
worse  than  ever.  What  I  did  last  night  proved  it! 
But  that  was  no  excuse  for  me — and  she  wouldn't 
be  annoyed  any  more — because  I'm  going  away  and 
she'll  never  see  me  again ! 

GERALD.    Did  you  send  it? 

BUDD.    Yes. 

GERALD.    You  idiot ! 

BUDD.  I  know  I  am — (Picks  up  bag  and  starts 
for  door  down  R.) 

GERALD.  (Coming  down  R.  c.  grabbing  bag  and 
setting  it  down  again ,  R.  c.)  Here — hold  on! 
You're  making  a  pretty  mess  of  it!  Now  let  me 

fet  things   straight     That — er — strangle  hold   we 
ound  you  two  in  last  night — how  did  that  happen  ? 
After  you'd  told  her  you  didn't  love  her  any  more! 


96  THE  BOOMERANG. 

Everything  was  working  beautifully  up  to  then. 
Why  in  the  world 

BUDD.  I  don't  know.  I  found  her  crying — and 
it  made  me  feel — I  can't  tell  you  how — but — all  of 
a  sudden,  I  had  her  in  my  arms  and  she  was  strug 
gling  to  get  away  and  I  couldn't  let  her  go!  And 
I  kissed  her — a  lot  of  times — and  then  you  were  all 
there  and  she  was  gone — and  it  was  terrible! 
terrible! — (He  crosses  to  L.  c.  and  up) 

GERALD.     I  should  say  so! 

BUDD.  (Coming  down  L.  of  desk)  And  there's 
one  thing  more  terrible  still — much  more — I  can't 
help  feeling  glad  I  did  it!  That's  why  I've  got  to 
go! 

GERALD.     To  New  York? 

BUDD.     What  else  can  I  do  ? 

GERALD.  (With  amusement)  After  last  night — 
the  honorable  thing  to  do  is  to  marry  her — (BUDD 
glares  at  him,  menacingly)  Now,  seriously — what 
I  mean  is,  you  ought  to  see  her  right  away — and 
propose  to  her. 

BUDD.  (Stares  at  him  a  moment — then  slowly 
shakes  his  head)  You  can't  mean — no,  I  mustn't 
ever  see  her  any  more. 

GERALD.    Why  not? 

BUDD.     I  might  forget  myself  again 

GERALD.  Oh!  (He  laughs)  Well— now  that 
she  knows  about  my  part  of  it,  perhaps  I'd  better 
see  her?  I've  got  plenty  of  time  before  office 
hours — (Crosses  front  of  BUDD  and  goes  up  L.) 

BUDD.     Why  should  you  see  her  ? 

GERALD.  (Coming  down  L.  c.)  Because  I  shan't 
forget  myself.  And  I  know  what  made  her  cry  last 
night. 

BUDD.     You  do? — 

GERALD.    Yes. 

BUDD.    What? 

GERALD.     Jealousy ! 

BUDD.     (Incredulous)  Jealousy? 


THE  BOOMERANG.  97 

GERALD,  Why  not?  It's  made  you  cry — hasn't 
it? 

BUDD.    But  what  could  make  her  jealous? 

GERALD.    Miss  Xelva 

BUDD.  Miss  Xelva?  Miss  Xelva!  Good 
heavens,  I  believe  that's  it! — (Sits  L.  of  desk) 

GERALD.  Well,  then — don't  you  see — that  shows 
she  cares  for  you!  (He  starts  up  L.) 

BUDD.    Oh,  no !— It's  Preston  De  Witt ! 

GERALD.  (Turning  to  BUDD)  How  do  you 
make  that  out  ? 

BUDD.  Why  because  she  thinks  Miss  Xelva  is 
taking  De  Witt  away  from  her. 

GERALD.  What  are  you  talking  about  ?  (Coming 
down)  Miss  Xelva  doesn't  know  De  Witt 

BUDD.  Oh,  yes,  she  does !  But  I  only  just  found 
it  out,  myself 

GERALD.    Found  what  out? 

BUDD.  Why — about  him — De  Witt  was  with  her, 
last  night,  before  the  party — and  he  was  with  her 
again  this  morning,  and  he's  probably  with  her — 
yet.  I  don't  know  how  long  it's  been  going  on, 
but  Grace  must  have  found  it  out,  somehow 

GERALD.  Why — oh,  it's  damn  nonsense!  (He 
crosses  R.  to  door) 

BUDD.  I  wouldn't  have  thought  anything  about 
it,  if  it  hadn't  been  for  Mother 

GERALD.    Your  mother ? 

BUDD.  Yes.  I  didn't  know  he  was  there  this 
morning  until  she  stopped  me  from  going  into  the 
library. 

GERALD.  (Coming  back  to  R.  of  desk,  leans  over 
it)  What  did  she  say? 

BUDD.    She  said  Virgie  was  a  very  lucky  girl  and 
that  there'd  be  a  great  surprise  when  it  came  out. 
GERALD.    She — she — I  don't  believe  it !     (  Walks 
up  to  window — looks  off) 

BUDD.    When  are  you  going  to  Miss  Tyler's? 
GERALD.     (Turning)    What?    (Goes  to  door  up 


98  THE  BOOMERANG. 

L.)  Oh,  I'm  going  now — (Stops,  comes  down  to 
BUDD)  What  time  did  De  Witt  call  on  her  this 
morning  ? 

BUDD.    It  must  have  been  early.    (GERALD  starts 

{or  doer  down  R.)    Perhaps  I'd  better  go  with  you. 
f  you  were  there — I  wouldn't  forget 

were  there — I  wouldn't  forget 

GERALD.  ^(Breaking  in)  No!  Go  take  a  walk! 
Come  back  in  fifteen  minutes.  (Buoo  picks  up  bag 
— GERALD  takes  it)  Leave  that  there — (Sets  it 

R.  C.) 

BUDD.    You'll  tell  her  how  awfully  I  feel 

GERALD.  (Breaking  in  again)  Yes — yes — yes — 
get  out !  (Exit  BUDD  down  R.  GERALD  closes  door, 
stands  thinking — looking  front — dismisses  thought 
with  a  laugh  and  goes  above  desk — stops  laughing, 
suddenly — stands  looking  -front  again — then  quickly 
picks  up  phone  as  if  to  call  up  the  WOODBRIDGE'S — 
thinks  better  of  it — angry  with  himself — slams  down 
phone — calls  "Emile"  forgetting  to  press  button) 
Emile!  (Presses  button  on  desk)  Emile!  (Door 
down  R.  opens  and  VIRGINIA  appears.  She  is 
dressed  in  dark  traveling  costume  and  has  medical 

bag)    Oh 

VIRGINIA.    Good  morning— - 

(He  does  not  answer — but  stands  looking  at  her 
fixedly — she  stops  and  looks  at  him — notices 
his  expression  with  growing  surprise.) 

GERALD.     (After  a  pause — quietly)     Is  my  car 

outside  ? 

VIRGINIA.    (Surprised  by  his  manner)    Yes 

GERALD.     I've  got  to  make  a  call  before  office 

hours — (He  starts  for  door  up  L.     EMILE  enters 

down  R.  carrying  a  lady's  traveling  bag,  marked 

V.X.)    What's  that? 

(VIRGINIA  places  medical    bag   on   chair  up  &. 


THE  BOOMERANG.  99 

EMILE  stops  and  looks  at  him.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Turning)  It's  mine.  Leave  it 
there,  please,  Emile.  (Picks  up  package  from 
desk) 

EMILE.  Bien,  mademoiselle — (Sets  bag  L.  of 
BUDD'S  and  exits  down  R.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Coming  to  GERALD  down  L.  c. — 
picks  up  wrapped  bottle)  I've  got  to  ask  you — to — 
let  me  go  away  for  a  few  days 

GERALD.    When  would  you  like  to  go  ? 

VIRGINIA.    The  train  leaves  at  11.40. 

GERALD.    Oh — You're  going  to  New  York,  too? 

VIRGINIA.  Yes — Emile  will  be  able  to  look  after 
things.  I  can  show  him. 

GERALD.    You  needn't  trouble. 

VIRGINIA.    You're  not  angry  with  me? 

GERALD.    Why  should  I  be? 

(She  looks  at  him,  wonderingly.) 

VIRGINIA.  I  shouldn't  think  of  leaving  suddenly 
like  this — but  it's — it's  something  so  very  im 
portant 

GERALD.    Humph !    Really ! 

VIRGINIA.  Yes — and  it's  something — (Attempt 
ing  to  smile)  I'm — well;  I'm  afraid  to  tell  you 
about , 

GERALD.  I  haven't  asked  you — have  I?  I've  no 
desire  to  pry  into  your  affairs.  You're  at  perfect 
liberty  to  go  as  soon  as  you  like,  and  stay  as  long 
as  you  like 

VIRGINIA.  (Making  an  effort  to  control  herself 
— looks  at  him  reproachfully)  Thank  you • 

(VIRGINIA  goes  to  medicine  chest  up  L.  unwraps 
bottle — GERALD  crosses  R.  c.  stands  thinking 
a  moment,  turns  and  watches  her — taking  out 
pocketbook,  takes  out  one  note.  Walks  toward 
k#r — stops — takes  out  another  note — goes  tq 
her.} 


loo  THE  BOOMERANG. 

GERALD.  You—you'd  better  take  this— (HoWl 
out  two  notes) 

VIRGINIA.  Oh — I  shan't  need  any  money, 
thanks 

GERALD.    It's  coming  to  you — your  month  is  up. 

VIRGINIA.  (Taking  it)  Thank  you.  (Looks  at 
it)  Oh,  this  is  too  much! 

GERALD.  That's  all  right — you've  earned  it.  (He 
comes  down  L.  of  desk) 

VIRGINIA    Thank  you. 

GERALD.  (Pause.  Plays  with  ash  receiver-* 
turns  it  around  two  or  three  times — plays  with 
button  on  end  of  desk)  Do  you — expect  to  come 
back? 

VIRGINIA.  (Coming  down  L.)  Do  you  want  me 
to? 

GERALD.  (With  effort)  This  place  will  be  open 
for  you — always.  And  whatever  it  is  that's  taking 
you  away — I  hope  it  will  bring  you — happiness. 
(He  swings  up  R.  c.  Enter  BUDD  down  R.) 

BUDD.  (Seeing  VIRGINIA)  Good-morning. 
(Going  to  GERALD,  anxiously  up  R.  c.)  Well ? 

GERALD.     (Swinging  around)     Well? 

BUDD.     Haven't  you  gone  yet? 

GERALD.  (Gives  him  a  look — controls  himself) 
I'm  going  now.  (Faces  VIRGINIA,  then  goes  to  door 
L.)  Wait  here 

(Exits  up  LO    Pause.    BUDD  and  VIRGINIA  looks  at 
each  other.) 

BUDD.  He's  gone  to  see  Miss  Tyler — I  wrote  to 
her  I  was  going  to  get  out  of  the  way.  And  when  I 
told  the  Doctor,  he  called  me  names. 

VIRGINIA.  (Relieved)  Oh — that's  why  he  was 
so  angry 

BUDD.  But  I'm  going — just  the  same.  (Coming 
down  R.  c.)  I'm  going  to  take  the  next  train  to 
New  York. 


THE  BOOMERANG.  101 

VIRGINIA.     (Crossing  down  L.  c.)    Why — so  am 

BUDD.  You — ?  What  reason  have  you — ? 
Oh — (With  understanding)  Are  you  going  with 
Preston  De  Witt? 

VIRGINIA.  (Comes  to  L.  of  desk)  How  did  you 
know  that? 

BUDD.  I  just  thought  it — (Looking  at  her  re 
proachfully)  I  can't  understand  you,  at  all — if 
you  meant  what  you  told  me — about  you  and  the 
Doctor — how  can  you  think  of  marrying — Preston 
De  Witt? 

VIRGINIA.  (Amazed)  Marrying!  (She  bursts 
out  laughing)  How  perfectly  ridiculous! 

BUDD.  You  wouldn't  go  away  together  without 
being  married — would  you? 

(VIRGINIA  laughs  louder.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Laughing)  Mr.  De  Witt  is  only 
taking  me  to  someone  who  wants  to  see  me — on — 
on — business. 

BUDD.  Oh! — Then  that's  why  he's  been  calling 
on  you !  (Pauses — looks  at  herf  goes  to  her,  offering 
hand) 

VIRGINIA.    Yes. 

BUDD.    I  thought — forgive  me— 

(VIRGINIA  takes  his  hand,  smiling.  Door  down  R. 
opened  by  EMILE.  Enter  GRACE.  EMILE  exits, 
closing  door.  BUDD  and  VIRGINIA  stand  in 
surprise,  still  holding  hands.  GRACE  stops 
short  on  seeing  them.  Pause.) 

VIRGINIA.      (Dropping    BUDD'S    hand)      Good- 
morning — did  you  want  to  see  the  Doctor? 
GRACE.     (Icily)    He's  not  here? 
VIRGINIA.    He  went  to  your  house — he  aught  to 


102  THE  BOOMERANG. 

be  back  any  minute — (GRACE  hesitates)     Woitff 
you  wait? 

GRACE.  (Icily)  Thank  you.  (Turns  to  go 
down  R.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Going  above  desk  to  door  up  R.) 
Will  you  come  this  way,  please — other  patients  will 
be  waiting  out — there — (Indicating  down  R.)  and 
I'm  sure  the  Doctor  would  like  to  see  you  first 

GRACE.  Thank  you — (She  turns,  about  to  go  up, 
catches  sight  of  two  bags,  bends  donvn  a  little,  notic 
ing  initials,  then  straightens  up  indignantly) 

BUDD.  (Who  has  not  seen  her  examine  bags — 
catches  her  eye)  Grace — ?  (GRACE  looks  at  him 
coldly,  then,  without  reply,  exits  stiffly  up  R. 
VIRGINIA  holds  door  till  GRACE  is  out — then  closes 
it  after  her.  BUDD,  forlornly — sitting  R.  of  desk) 
She'll  never  forgive  me 

VIRGINIA.  (Back  of  BUDD'S  chair  R.)  Why  not 
ask  her?  (Buoo  looks  at  VIRGINIA — shakes*  his 
head)  Oh— do! 

(Door  down  R.  opened  by  EMILE.) 
EMILE.    A  gentleman  to  see  you,  Miss- — 

(Enter  PRESTON  down  R.     EMILE  exits,  closing 
door.    BUDD  rises.) 

PRESTON.  (As  he  enters)  I  have  some  news  for 
you,  Miss — (Sees  BUDD,  stops  short)  Ah — Wood- 
bridge — (Crosses  to  him)  I  couldn't  find  you  after 
your  surprise  party  last  night — you  disappeared — • 

BUDD.  De  Witt,  I  don't  want  you  to  think  that 
Miss  Tyler 

PRESTON.  Oh — don't  try  to  explain!  I  only 
wanted  to  apologize  for  my  unintentional  intrusion 
at  such  a — (Glances  at  VIRGINIA  and  smiles)  a 


THE  BOOMERANG.  103 

romantic  moment — and  to  oiler  my  congratulations ! 
(Extends  hand  to  BUDD) 

BUDD.  (Not  taking  hand)  But  you're  entirely 
wrong 

PRESTON.  Not  a  word !  What  I  mean  to  say  is 
— that  you  both  have  my  best  wishes! 

BUDD.  You  don't  understand  at  all! — Do  you 
want  to  talk  to  Miss  Xelva  ? 

PRESTON.  (Groses  L.  below  desk)  If  you  don't 
mind ? 

BUDD.    Certainly.    (Starts  for  door  down  R.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Going  to  door  up  R.  opens  it  and 
steps  back)  Mr.  Woodbridge— (  BUDD  stops  down 
R.)  This  way  please 

(BUDD  looks  at  her — hesitates — looks  defiantly  at 
PRESTON,  then  braces  himself  and  goes  into 
room  up  R.  VIRGINIA  closes  door  after  him 
PRESTON  goes  toward  her  below  desk) 

PRESTON.  What  I  said  to  young  Woodbridge 
may  have  sounded  peculiar — unless  you  understand 
that — Miss  Tyler  and  I  were — were 

VIRGINIA.  (With  a  smile)  But  I  do  under 
stand — and  what  you  said  sounded  extremely 
magnanimous — (She  crosses  down  to  L.  of  desk) 

PRESTON.  (Shrugging  his  shoulders)  You  do 
me  too  much  credit!  Woodbridge  has  really 
rendered  me  a  service 

VIRGINIA.    A  service? 

PRESTON.  How  great  a  service,  I've  only  begun 
to  realize  since  meeting  you 

VIRGINIA.    What  ? 

PRESTON.  Oh,  I  shouldn't  have  said  that.  For 
give  me.  But  perhaps,  some  day  when  you  know 
me  better 

VIRGINIA.  Did  you  let  my  uncle  know  I  was  com 
ing  to-day  ? 

PRESTON.     (Turns  R.  c.)     Oh!  that's  what  I 


l<H  THE  BOOMERANG. 

came  to  tell  you !  We  don't  need  to  go,  now.  Mr. 
Gordon  is  on  his  way  here. 

VIRGINIA.    You  mean  he's  coming  to  Hartford? 

PRESTON.    He's  due  here  at  12  o'clock. 

VIRGINIA.  (Crosses  below  desk  to  up  R.)  Oh, 
dear ! — Then  everybody  will  know ? 

PRESTON.  Perhaps  not.  I'll  meet  him  when  he 
arrives — and  tell  him  just  what  this  position  here 
means  to  you  and  ask  him  to  say  nothing  to  Dr. 
Sumner 

VIRGINIA.  (Coming  down  R.)  No!  I'm  going 
to  tell  Dr.  Sumner  all  about  it ! 

PRESTON.  Quite  right.  And  if  you  wish,  I  shall 
be  only  too  happy  to  explain  to  the  Doctor  for  you — 

VIRGINIA.    You're  very  kind,  but 

PRESTON.  (GERALD  enters  up  L.)  Kind!  Miss 
Xelva  if  you  could  only  understand  how  great  my 
desire  is  to  be  of  some  real  service  to  you — why  I 
would  do  anything — anything — (GERALD  slams  door. 
PRESTON  turns  to  DOCTOR.  Stops — azvkward  pause) 
Ah — morning,  Doctor 

GERALD.  (Coming  doivn  L.  c.  Stiffly)  Good- 
morning.  I'm  sorry  to  interrupt — but  I  shall  be 
obliged  to  use  this  office  presently 

(GERALD  turns  up  stage,  puts  hat  by  window  up  c. 
PRESTON  laughs  uneasily.  VIRGINIA  suddenly 
looks  front,  thinking  a  moment,  realizes  that 
GERALD  is  jealous  of  her — glances  at  him  to 
make  sure — then  with  entire  change  of  manner 
— smiles  sweetly  at  PRESTON.  Pause.) 

VIRGINIA.    Mr.  De  Witt  was  just  going 

(GERALD  watches  her  over  his  right  shoulder.) 

PRESTON.    (Flattered)    Eh — yes — er — unless  you 

want  me  to  explain  to  the  Doctor 

VIRGINIA.    (Shaking  head)    I'd  better  do  that— 


THE  BOOMERANG.  103 

(Smiling,  holding  out  hand)  Au  revoir—  (He 
crosses  to  up  R.  c.  She  glances  over  her  shoulder 
at  GERALD,  then  follows  PRESTON  up)  I'll  be 
at  the  station 

(GERALD  looks  away.) 
PRESTON.    Oh? — I — 111  come  here  for  you! 
(GERALD  looks  at  her  over  his  left  shoulder.) 

VIRGINIA.    (Smiling  lovingly)    I  shall  be  ready. 

PRESTON.  (Turns  to  GERALD)  Good-bye, 
Doctor.  (Turns  happily  and  starts  out  door  up  R. 
just  after  he  is  out,  says,  "Oh!"  off  stage,  then 
backs  on)  I'm  awfully  sorry!  Really — (Closes 
door) 

VIRGINIA.  (Trying  to  suppress  laugh,  opening 
door  down  R.)  This  is  the  way  out 

PRESTON.  Oh,  yes — of  course.  How  stupid  of 
me!  (Exit  down  R.  VIRGINIA  looks  after  him, 
sighs,  turns  back,  glances  at  GERALD  roguiMy. 
GERALD  goes  to  desk  c.) 

VIRGINIA.  Miss  Tyler's  waiting  to  see  you — 
(GERALD,  above  desk  c.  glances  at  her)  in  there — 
(Indicating  up  R.)  And — Mr.  Woodbridge  is  with 
her — (GERALD  turns  front.  VIRGINIA  stands  a  mo 
ment  watching  him,  then  turns  and  sees  patients 
through  door  down  R.  Begins  greeting  them,  speak^ 
ing  off)  Good-morning,  Mr.  Stone — (Goes  off) 

STONE.     (Off  R.)     Good-morning,  Miss  Xelva — • 

VIRGINIA.  How  is  the  arm  getting  on ?  (Closes 
door) 

(GERALD  turns  and  looks  after  her,  walks  to  desk 
c.  picks  up  large  book,  suddenly  hurls  in  on 
floor,  kicks  it.  Looks  at  door  down  R.  fiercely 
*-sees  VIRGINIA'S  bag— kicks  it  up  stage, 


106  THE  BOOMERANG. 

violently.  Suddenly  realises  that  he's  making 
a  fool  of  himself — laughs  loudly  and  ironically 
— goes  quickly  to  door  up  R.  and  exits — re 
appears  immediately — closes  door — raps  loudly 
— and  exits  again  up  R.  Re-enter  VIRGINIA 
down  R.  She  has  removed  her  hat  and  jacket, 
wears  nurse's  apron.  Se  ^s  room  empty.  Goes 
to  desk.  Enter  BUDD  up  R.  He  looks  radiant 
with  happiness,  entirely  transformed  from  his 
previous  dejection  Sees  VIRGINIA,  comes  down 
to  her  eagerly.  She  turns  and  looks  at  him.) 

BUDD.  She  loves  me! — She  loves  me!  She 
really — Oh,  I  forgot — (Back  away  from  her  R.  She 
looks  at  him  surprised)  I  ought  not  to  talk  to  you. 
She  doesn't  want  me  to.  She  thinks  you  and  I  were 
in  love  with  each  other.  That's  what  made  her  cry 
last  night. 

VIRGINIA.    But — but — surely  you've  told  her — ? 

BUDD.  Of  course  I  have !  And  she  says  she  be 
lieves  me — but,  just  the  same,  she  doesn't  want  me 
to  see  you. 

VIRGINIA.  Oh — I  can  understand  that.  (Crosses 
R.) 

BUDD.  Can  you?  Then,  perhaps — (Coming 
down  R.  c.)  you  won't  mind  my  asking  you  some 
thing?  When  you  return  from  New  York  do  you 
expect  to  come  back  to  our  house  any  more? 

VIRGINIA.    I'm  not  going  to  New  York,  now. 

BUDD.  Net  going?  Oh — that  makes  it  rather 
awkward — I  promised  her  you  were 

VIRGINIA.  (Smiling)  But  if  I  leave  your  house 
to-day — that  will  make  it  right,  won't  it? 

BUDD.    That  might  help 

VIRGINIA.  Now,  I  want  to  ask  you  something—* 
Did  you  tell  Dr.  Sumner  what  you  thought  about — • 
Mr.  De  Witt  and  me ? 

BUDD.  (Coming  to  her — quickly)  Why?  Has 
it  done  any  harm  ? 


THE  BOOMERANG.  107 

(Enter  GRACE  up  R.) 

VIRGINIA.  (Smiling)  On  the  contrary!  (BUDD 
looks  at  her  puzzled — GRACE  stops  short  up  c.  on 
seeing  BUDD  and  VIRGINIA)  Oh!  (Exits  quickly 
down  R.  closing  door) 

(GRACE  stands  staring  at  him — BUDD  turns — sees 
GRACE.) 

BUDD.     I  didn't  mean  to  talk  to  her 

GRACE.     (Ironical)    Humph!    (She  comes  down 

L.C.) 

BUDD.  (Crosses  to  GRACE  below  desk)  But 
I  had  to.  Er — about  her  not  living  at  the  house — 
any  more. 

GRACE.  How  can  she  live  at  the  house,  if  she's 
going  to  New  York  ? 

BUDD.  Well — er — she's  not  going,  now.  (GRACE 
turns  to  him)  I'm  awfully  sorry — but  she  said 
she'd  find  some  other  place  to  live — right  away. 

GRACE.  (Aghast)  You  didn't  tell  her  that  I 
said  anything  about  it  ? 

BUDD.     Why — er — yes — in  a  way 

GRACE.     Oh!    (Crosses  to  R.C.) 

BUDD.  (A  little  exasperated — going  to  her)  But 
what  difference  does  it  make !  I  gave  you  my  word 
I  didn't  care  for  her — and  you  said  you  believed 
me. 

GRACE.     But  she  loves  you! 

BUDD.     Why  no,  she  doesn't! 

GRACE.  (Positively)  Yes,  she  does!  I  could  tell 
by  the  way  she  acted,  last  night. 

BUDD.     No,  she's  in  love  with  Dr.  Sumner 

GRACE.     What? 

BUDD.  Yes,  she  is — anyhow  what  difference  does 
she  make — you  are  the  only  one  that  matters  to 
me — the  only  one  in  the  whole  world 


io8  THE  BOOMERANG. 

GRACE.     (Looking  into  his  face— tenderly)    Am 

BUDD.    Grace!    (About  to  embrace  her) 

GRACE.  (Restraining  him)  Oh — no!  Not 
here 

BUDD.  Then — couldn't  we  go  now  ?  (Starts  to 
open  door  dozvn  R.) 

GRACE.  That— that  girl's  out  there— I  don't  want 
to  see  her  again.  (Goes  to  door  up  R.  speaks  off) 
Dr.  Sumner 

GERALD.     (Entering  up  R.)    Yes? 

GRACE.  May  we  go  that  way?  (Indicating  up 
L.)  We — we'd  like  to  see  Marion. 

GERALD.    I  don't  think  she's  in 

GRACE.    Well,  may  we  go  and  see? 

(VIRGINIA  enters  from  door  down  R.) 

GERALD.     Certainly.     (Goes  to  door  up  L.) 

GRACE.  (To  GERALD)  Never  mind.  We  can 
go  this  way  now.  (Goes  to  door  down  R. — keeping 
azvay  from  VIRGINIA — haughtily  passes  between 
chair  R.  of  desk  and  desk)  Come,  Budd — (She 
exits  down  R.  BUDD  following.  At  door,  BUDD  stops 
and  turns — goes  back  to  VIRGINIA  who  is  standing 
L.  of  his  bag.  GRACE  reappears  at  door)  Budd 

BUDD.  Yes — I  was  only — (Points  to  bag  and 
picks  it  up' — with  a  glance  that  takes  in  VIRGINIA 
and  GERALD)  Good-bye — we've  had  a  very  pleasant 
call.  (GRACE  takes  him  by  the  arm  then  exit  quickly 
doivn  R.)  GERALD  glances  at  VIRGINIA,  goes  to 
deskf  sits  L.  of  it — looks  over  unopened  letters. 
VIRGINIA  watches  him.  A  pause) 

VIRGINIA.    There  are  several  patients  waiting 1 

GERALD.    Let  them  wait 

(VIRGINIA  sees  book  on  floor  where  GERALD  has 
kicked  it — picks  it  up,  GERALD  watching  her. 
Glances  at  GERALD — he  looks  away  quickly. 


THE  BOOMERANG.  109 

She  smiles  and  puts  book  on  book-case,  and 
picks  up  her  bag — places  it  up  c.    A  pause.) 


VIRGINIA.     It's  after 

GERALD.  (Suddenly  looking  up)  It  isn't  neces 
sary  for  you  to  stay — if  you  have  anything  to  do 
before  train  time 

VIRGINIA.     (Demurely)     I  haven't 

(With  a  grunt,  GERALD  turns  away  and  reads  his 
letters.  VIRGINIA  watches  him  for  a  moment 
then  crosses  to  medicine  cabinet  up  L.  hum 
ming,  gets  towel,  spreads  it  on  upper  end 
of  desk,  crosses  to  operating  chair,  pushes  it  out 
to  position  same  as  ACT  I — goes  to  instrument 
cabinet  and  takes  out  of  glass  jar  on  top  of 
same- — roll  of  gauze  bandage,  two  small  balls 
of  cotton.  She  leaves  the  two  balls  of  cotton 
on  little  stand  down  L.,  goes  up  L.  c.,  gets  jar 
of  ointment — places  it  with  gauze,  on  towel. 
During  this  GERALD  has  glanced  at  her  once  or 
twice  over  his  shoulder.  He  looks  front  as  she 
comes  above  desk.  Pays  no  attention  for  a 
moment,  then  he  glances  at  her.) 

GERALD.    What's  this  for? 

VIRGINIA.     Getting  ready  for  Mr.  Stone. 

GERALD.    I'll  take  care  of  Mr.  Stone. 

VIRGINIA.    Then — I  was  thinking 

GERALD.    Eh  ? 

VIRGINIA.  I  was  just  thinking  how  happy  you 
ough  to  be ! 

(GERALD  gives  her  a  look.) 

GERALD.    What  do  you  mean  by  that? 

VIRGINIA.  Why — this  case  of  Mr.  Woodbridge's 
—it's  turned  out  just  exactly  as  you  said  it  would! 
It's  wonderful  what  a  perfect  understanding  you 


I io  THE  BOOMERANG. 

have  of  love!  (GERALD  smothers  an  exclamation, 
rises  and  paces  about)  I've  been  thinking  over  all 
you  told  me  last  night. 

GERALD.  (Stopping  suddenly)  All  I  told  you 
was  damned  rot — I  beg  your  pardon.  (Walks 
again) 

VIRGINIA.  (Going  down  L.  c.)  How  can  you 
say  that!  Just  after  you've  proved  it — with  Mr. 
Woodbridge ! 

(He  gives  her  a  look,  goes  to  her — down  L.  c.) 

GERALD.  Why  didn't  you  tell  me  that  you  were  in 
love? 

VIRGINIA.  (With  a  change  of  manner — sincerely) 
Because — I  never  meant  to  tell  anyone — never,  as 
long  as  I  lived !  Then,  something  happened — some 
thing  that  made  me  think  perhaps  he  might  care 
for  me — and  then — what  you  said  about — about  the 
love  game  all  came  back  to  me — and  I — well,  I've 
been  playing  it. 

GERALD.  (Looking  front)  You  certainly  worked 
fast — landed  him  already. 

VIRGINIA.    Oh,  I  haven't — landed  him — yet. 

GERALD.  You  ought  to  be — reasonably  sure — 
if — (He  looks  at  watch) — you  intend  to  go  away 
with  him  at  n  :4O.  (Goes  L.) 

VIRGINIA.    I'm  not. 

(GERALD  stops.) 

GERALD.    What ! 

VIRGINIA.  I  was  going — to  New  York — but  that 
was  to  see  my  uncle.  I've  just  heard  he's  on  his 
way  here. 

GERALD.  I  didn't  know  you  had  an  uncle  in  New 
York. 

VIRGINIA.  Neither  did  I — until  the  other  day. 
He's  Mr.  Bruce  Gordon.  (She  goes  to  R.  c.) 

GERALD.  Bruce  Gordon! — Bruce  Gordon  your 
uncle?  (He  comes  over  to  her) 


THE  BOOMERANG.  in 

VIRGINIA.    I'm  afraid  so 

GERALD.    How  in  the  world 

VIRGINIA.  I  don't  know — only  it  seems — my 
mother — was  his  sister — and  he  arrives  here  at  noon 
and  Mr.  De  Witt  and  I  are  going  to  meet  him  at  the 
station 

GERALD.  Oh?— De  Witt  knew  this?— That  the 
rich  Mr.  Gordon  was  your  uncle? 

VIRGINIA.    Yes. 

GERALD.  Oh — huh — I  see.  (  Turns  away.  Pulls 
himself  together — with  effort — offers  hand)  Well 
— good  luck — and  God  bless  you. 

VIRGINIA.  (Taking  his  hand  and  looking  into  his 
face)  You  mean  I  can't  stay  here — any  more? 

GERALD.  (Trying  to  laugh — looks  at  her)  Stay 
here  ?  Bruce  Gordon's  niece  work  in  an  office !  Oh, 
come — now. 

VIRGINIA.    Then — it's  good-bye? 

GERALD.  That's  the  way  it  looks.  (Looking 
front) 

VIRGINIA.    Couldn't  you — say  you'll  miss  me? 

GERALD.  (Turns  to  her)  Not  so  you  could 
understand  it.  (Turns  away.  VIRGINIA  goes  up  c. 
gets  hypodermic  syringe,  comes  down  and  holds  it 
out  to  him)  What's  this  for? 

VIRGINIA.  If  I'm  not  going  to  see  you  any  more 
•—I'll  need  the  treatment — (GERALD  looks  at  her — 
gradually  the  truth  dawns  on  him.  She  goes  quickly 
to  door  down  R.  opens  it,  speaks  off)  Come  in,  Mr. 
Stone 

(Enter  STONE,  an  old  man,  with  arm  in  sling. 
VIRGINIA  closes  door  after  him  and  goes  to 
medical^  cabinet  up  R.  washes  her  hands,  pours 
liquid  into  saucer  from  bottle,  takes  a  towel 
from  rack  and  crosses  down  L.  of  operating 
chair,  places  saucer  on  stool.) 

STONE.    (As  he  enters)    Good-morning,  Doctor. 
GERALD.     (Not  knowing  what  STONE  has  said) 


112  THE  BOOMERANG. 

Hum?  Oh !  (He  watchs  VIRGINIA  all  through  this 
scene  except  when  speaking  to  STONE) 

STONE.    Fine  weather  we're  having. 

GERALD.    Ha,  ha!  is  that  so? 

STONE.    Do  you  want  me  in  that  chair? 

GERALD.     Eh?     (Turning  to  STONE) 

STONE.  Over  there?  (Pointing  to  operating 
chair) 

GERALD.  (Looking  at  STONE'S  hand,  then  notic 
ing  hypodermic  syringe)  Oh,  this?  (Starts  to  in 
sert  needle)  Oh,  no!  No.  (Turns  away) 

STONE.    In  the  chair? 

GERALD.  (Not  heeding)  Oh,  yes.  (All  the  time 
gazing  at  VIRGINIA) 

STONE.  (Crossing  to  chair)  I'm  feeling  fine 
now,  Doctor.  It  doesn't  pain  any  more  at  all. 
(GERALD  walks  over  to  operating  chair  and  stands 
R.  of  it — watching  VIRGINIA — She  cuts  bandage  from 
STONE'S  wrist  and  proceeds  to  wash  wound  with 
cotton.  She  glances  at  GERALD  who  smiles — He, 
unconsciously  takes  hold  of  wounded  arm  and 
shakes  it  to  and  fro — gazing  at  VIRGINIA  who 
crosses  up  above  desk  and  takes  up  bandage. 
GERALD  drops  arm  and  joins  her.  STONE  con 
tinues  shaking  wrist  imagining  GERALD  was  testing 
its  flexibility)  See  how  I  can  bend  it?  Look! 
And  notice  how  the  swelling's  gone  down — and 
watch  my  fingers.  (Moves  them  up  and  down)  I 
can  move  them  as  well  as  I  ever  could.  (Pause) 
And  the  cut,  Doctor — see— it's  just  about  healed 
up.  (Pause)  I  tell  you,  it's  wonderful,  Doctor- 
wonderful — just  wonderful 

(During  STONE'S  speech  VIRGINIA  backs  up  c.  then 
L.,  GERALD  pulls  her  to  him  c.,  she  drops  her 
arms,  he  takes  her  face  in  his  hands — a  long  kiss 
till  curtain  is  down.  A  slow  curtain  which 
reaches  top  of  STONE'S  head  on  his  last 
"wonderful.") 

CURTAIN. 


HOTEL  UNIVERSE 

Play  without  intermission  by  Philip  Barry.  Produced 
originally  by  the  Theatre  Guild  at  the  Martin  Beck  The 
atre,  New  York.  5  males,  4  females,  i  exterior  scene.  Mod 
ern  costumes. 

One  of  the  most  striking  and  original  plays  ever  written  by  an 
American,  and  on  the  occasion  of  its  production  in  New  York  it 
aroused  heated  controversy.  It  is  the  most  ambitious  and  brilliant  play 
Mr.  Barry  has  ever  attempted,  and  is  concerned  with  the  baffling 
problems  which  every  adult  human  being  is  at  some  time  forced  to 
face.  The  characters  seem  hardly  to  exist  at  all  in  relation  to  other 
people,  which  is  surely  the  reason  why  Mr.  Barry  discovered  (some 
what  as  Chekov  discovered)  that  to  invent  a  plot  for  them  would  be 
to  deprive  them  of  the  kind  of  reality  he  was  after.  These  people  are 
essentially  introspective,  centripetal,  literally  self-seeking.  And  what 
are  they  after?  Just  an  answer  to  the  question  that  every  thinking 
human  being  must  ask  himself — and  vainly:  What  is  life?  What  is 
death?  Where  are  we  going,  and  why?  What  is  the  meaning  of  pait, 
present  and  future?  Published  only  in  bound  form. 

*CA  glittering  play  of  unreality  and  magic  to  quicken  the  pulses  and 
stir  the  minds  .  .  ."  Richard  Lockridge,  N.  Y.  Sun. 

(Royalty  on  application.)  PRICE  $2,00  per  copy  (in  cloth). 


THE  FARMER'S  WIFE 

Comedy  in  3  acts.  By  Eden  Phillpotts.  Produced  origi 
nally  by  Charles  Coburn  in  New  York  City.  9  males,  13 
females.  2  interiors.  Modern  costumes. 

This  delightful  comedy  of  English  people  was  one  of  the  long  run 
successes  in  London  before  coming  to  New  York.  The  story  is  concerned 
with  Samuel  Sweetland,  a  Devonshire  farmer  and  a  widower,  who  de 
cides  to  marry  again.  Aided  and  abetted  by  his  housekeeper,  Araminta, 
he  makes  out  a  list  of  the  various  eligible  women  in  the  county  and  pro 
poses  to  them  in  turn.  But  they  all  refuse  him,  and  in  the  end  he  finds 
at  home,  in  Araminta,  the  one  woman. 

(Royalty  on  application.)  PRICE  7$  CENTS. 


BERKELEY  SQUARE 

Play  in  3  acts.  By  John  L.  Balderston.  Produced  origi 
nally  by  Gilbert  Miller  and  Leslie  Howard  at  tke  Lyceum 
Theatre,  New  York.  7  males,  8  females,  i  interior.  Modern 
and  Eighteenth  century  costumes.  Plays  a  full  evening. 

Peter  Standish,  a  young  American  architect,  has  inherited,  so  it 
seems,  an  old  English  house  in  which  one  of  his  ancestors  had  played 
an  important  role.  Taking  up  his  residence  there,  he  discovers  that  he 
can  walk  back  and  forth  through  time,  that  he  can  step  into  the  shoes 
of  his  ancestor  and  live  the  life  that  man  lived  in  the  Eighteenth  cen 
tury.  He  accepts  the  challenge  of  the  adventure  and  finds  himself  en 
tering  the  old  drawing-room  dressed  in  the  costume  of  the  time  but 
still  essentially  himself,  and  he  plays  the  game  as  well  as  he  can.  Much 
charms,  but  much  also  shocks  him.  His  knowledge  of  the  future  some 
times  trips  him  up,  but  the  platitudes  of  the  Nineteenth  and  the 
Twentieth  centuries  are  brilliant  epigrams  to  those  about  him.  But 
despite  his  success  he  is  not  really  at  home. 

"Berkeley  Square"  is  the  finest  play  of  the  season — a  play  that  casts 
a  spell."  J.  Brooks  Atkinson,  New  York  Times. 

"Unusual  in  flavor  and  right  in  entertainment — deserves  the  atten 
tion  of  every  playgoer  who  wants  to  buy  an  evening  of  complete  be- 
guilement,"  John  Anderson,  N.  Y.  Evening  Journal. 

(Royalty  will  be  quoted  on  application  for  cities  and  towns  where 
it  may  be  presented  by  amateurs.)  PRICE  75  CENTS. 

HOLIDAY 

Comedy  in  3  acts.  By  Philip  Barry.  Produced  originally 
by  Arthur  Hopkins  at  the  Plymouth  Theatre,  New  York. 
7  mafes,  5  females.  2  interiors.  Modern  costumes.  Plays  a 
full  evening. 

Holiday,  with  Hope  Williams,  was  one  of  the  outstanding  successes 
of  the  New  York  theatre,  and  later  done  in  motion  pictures  with 
Ann  Harding.  It  is  the  story  of  a  young  man  who  is  engaged  to  a 
girl  of  great  wealth  and  social  standing.  But  he  refuses  to  "make  good" 
with  her  father,  preferring  to  enjoy  life  as  a  holiday  and  an  indepead- 
ent  venture  in  happiness.  Because  of  this  the  two  separate,  but  at  the 
end  the  girl's  sister  realizing  that  the  young  man  is  right  and  her  fam 
ily  wrong,  confesses  that  she  is  in  love  with  him  and  agrees  to  go  away 
and  marry  him.  A  delightful  and  brilliant  comedy. 

"One  could  ask  for  nothing  better  (except  that  it  is  dangerous  to 
laugh  so  hard)  than  a  stageful  of  Pkilip  Barry  characters  indulging  in 
his  special  brand  of  happy-go-lucky  nonsense." 

Robert  Littell,  N.  Y.  Post. 

"It  is  continuously  gay  and  amusing,  blissfully  mad,  and  stunningly 
sane,  ail  at  the  same  time.  .  .  ."  John  Anderson,  N.  Y.  Journal. 

(Royalty,  fifty  dollars.)  PRICE  $2.00  per  copy  (in  cloth). 


REBOUND 

Comedy  in  3  acts.  By  Donald  Ogden  Stewart.  Produced 
originally  by  Arthur  Hopkins  at  the  Plymouth  Theatre, 
New  York.  7  males,  5  females.  Modern  costumes. 

Sara  Jaffrey  is  twenty-eight,  pretty,  charming  but  unmarried — when 
we  first  meet  her  in  the  home  of  her  sister,  Mrs.  Crawford.  Bill  Trues- 
dale  is  much  in  love  with  Evie  Lawrence,  but  she  throws  him  over  for 
the  rich  Lyman  Patterson.  Sara  and  Bill  immediately  become  engaged 
and  are  married  shortly  after. 

We  next  find  them  on  their  honeymoon  in  Paris,  where  Bill  is  be 
ginning  to  show  early  symptoms  of  being  a  neglectful  husband — even 
failing  to  show  up  to  meet  Sara's  father.  It  appears  that  Evie  and 
Lyman  have  turned  up  in  Paris  on  their  wedding  tour  and  Bill  has 
been  spending  the  truant  time  with  his  old  love.  This  devotion  to  Evie 
grows  into  alarming  proportions  despite  Sara's  pleading  with  Bill  until 
she  realizes  love  is  not  a  thing  to  be  begged  for  but  a  thing  to  com 
mand.  She  switches  her  methods  and  BUI  rebounds  back  to  her  arms 
with  every  indication  of  being  a  devoted  husband. 

"The  best  light  comedy  written  by  anybody  hereabouts  in  ten  or 
twenty  years."  Heywood  Broun,  N.  Y.  Telegram. 


(Royalty,  fifty  dollars.)  PRICE  75  CENTS. 


THE  ROYAL  FAMILY 

Comedy  in  3  acts.  By  George  S.  Kaufman  and  Edna 
Ferber.  Produced  originally  by  Jed  Harris  at  the  Selwyn 
Theatre,  New  York,  n  males,  6  females,  i  interior. 
Modern  costumes. 

A  tremendously  interesting  and  fascinating  story  of  a  great  family 
of  the  American  stage.  The  Cavendishes,  with  which  "The  Royal 
Family"  concerns  itself,  comprises  three  generations.  First,  there  is 
Fanny  Cavendish,  wife  of  the  deceased  Aubrey  Cavendish,  "the  first 
actor  of  his  day,"  who  at  seventy  is  planning  her  tour  for  the  coming 
season.  There  is  her  brother,  Herbert  Dean,  a  pompous  player  now  in 
his  decline;  Julie,  her  daughter,  is  at  the  crest  of  her  career  as  a 
Broadway  star,  Tony,  her  son,  having  forsaken  the  stage  for  Holly 
wood,  rushes  home  only  to  flee  to  Europe  to  escape  the  attention  of  a 
Polish  picture  actress.  Soon  he  is  back  again  in  New  York  seeking 
refuge  from  a  lovesick  Balkan  princess.  A  granddaughter,  Gwen,  just 
building  into  important  ingenue  roles,  jolts  the  family  by  marrying  a 
non-professional  and  forsaking  the  stage,  but  only  temporarily. 
Through  it  all,  Fanny  Cavendish  rules  the  household  with  her  courage 
and  a  sharp  tongue.  Though  her  children  are  idols  to  the  public,  they 
are  defenseless  under  the  withering  fire  of  the  old  lady's  sarcasm. 

(Royalty  on  application.)  PRICE  75  CENTS. 


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,  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA,  DAVIS 

Book  Slip-70m-9,'65(F7151s4)458 


.PAMPHLET  BINDER 

~~  Syracuse,  N.  Y 
=  Stockton,  ColJf. 


N°  403079 

Smith,  W. 

The  boomerang, 


PS353? 

M89 

B6 


LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
DAVIS 


..:  | 


